The DeSci Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The DeSci London Conference 2024: A Preview with Alfred Brown Mar 09, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci podcast. Today, we were joined by Alfred Brown, co-founder of Desci London, a community dedicated to transforming science through web3 technology. In this episode, we talked about the DeSci London conference (scheduled for Saturday, 23 Mar 2024, 09:30 - Sunday, 24 Mar 2024, 16:30 GMT). This two-day event aims to spotlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the field of science, covering agendas such as Longevity research, Rare diseases, DeSci Tooling and Infrastructure, Climate tech innovations, Women’s health, and more. Alfred shares insights into the event's objectives, potential speakers, and details on how to livestream for those unable to attend in person. In addition to the main discussion, we explored the intersection between web3 and science, the importance of community in Desci, and several other topics. Feel free to navigate through the various topics covered in the Podcast using the timestamps provided below. ___ ⭐ Timestamps: 0:00 intro 1:16 Alfred’s journey into DeSci. 04:57 What was your experience diving into blockchain as a beginner? 07:12 Recommendations for scientists venturing into DeSci. 11:34 DeSci London event. 16:55 How to apply for the travel grant. 22:38 The role of art and creativity in science. 28:33 Community-building in DeSci. 29:54 How to find the DeSci London monthly meetups. 30:46 Insights for aspiring Desci community builders. 37:22 Potential speakers for the event. 45:36 How to live stream the DeSci London event. 49:29 Other notable DeSci events. 52:23 Impact of younger generations in DeSci. 56:00 Molecule and Nucleate partnership. 58:48 The necessity of community in Desci. 1:08:09 Outro ____ If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below. If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to Special thanks to Ella McCarthy-Page: https://twitter.com/EMcCarthyPage Alfred Brown: https://twitter.com/AlfredJBrown99 ____ Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C X: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Challenging the Status Quo: Stuart Buck on Science Funding & Research Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci Podcast! Today, we are delighted to host Stuart Buck. Stuart serves as a Senior Advisor at the Social Science Research Council and is the Executive Director of the Good Science Project—an organization dedicated to enhancing the funding and practice of science.

In this episode, Stuart addresses key challenges in the scientific landscape, such as bureaucratic obstacles to funding and the distinction between basic and applied science.

He emphasizes the interconnected nature of basic and applied research, highlighting how discoveries from basic research lay the foundation for applied innovations and challenges addressed through applied science inspire new questions in basic research.

Moving further, Stuart shares his view on the metaphor of failure in science. According to him, failure is not synonymous with defeat; instead, encountering failures in scientific endeavors indicates that one is posing pertinent questions and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Other topics covered in the podcast include scientific reproducibility, the measurement problem in science, enforcing data accessibility, and many more.

Feel free to navigate through the various topics covered in the Podcast using the timestamps provided below.

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⭐ Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

01:27 Good science project main focus.

03:37 Stuart’s theory of social change

10:04 Areas that need improvement

13:00 Recommendation for young researchers

17:35 Why grantmakers tend to be conservative in funding basic science

21:45 Basic vs Applied research

24:15 The notion of failure in science

30:59 Revisiting anti-portfolio

37:37 The value of funding replication in research

43:45 The problem with metrics

46:49 Outro

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If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.

If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to

Special thanks to

Lea Degen: https://twitter.com/lealeata

Stuart Buck: https://twitter.com/stuartbuck1

____

Let's connect:

Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C

X: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Advancing Research in Brain Health and Longevity through Decentralized Science | Brian Magierski Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci Podcast!

Today we were joined by Brian Margierski, Brian is the CEO and Founder of Cerebrum DAO, an open, global community that seeks to reimagine impact funding to advance brain longevity and accelerate solutions and cures to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.

In this episode, Brian delves into Cerebrum DAO, outlining its mission and commitment to advancing brain health research. He sheds light on the motivating factors behind his interest in this field and elaborates on why he opted for the DAO model as the most fitting framework to achieve these objectives.

We also discuss how the DAO model enables entrepreneurship by creating an environment for innovation and empowering individuals to propose and pursue unconventional projects without the constraints typically associated with centralized funding models.

Feel free to navigate through any of the topics discussed in the Podcast using the timestamps below.

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⭐ Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

01:04 Cerebrum DAO’s mission

02:54 What drove your interest in brain health research?

07:05 What made you choose the DAO model?

13:37 Cerebrum DAO structure.

18:14 Collaborating with biotech companies

20:37 Maintaining scientific quality in decentralized funding

24:50 How DAOs enables entrepreneurship

30:12 Contentious topics in your workplace.

32:05 How to get involved.

35:05 Outro

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If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.

If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to

Special thanks to

Lea Degen: https://twitter.com/lealeata

Brian Magierski: https://twitter.com/bmagierski

____

Let's connect:

Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C

X: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Keith Comito's Insights on Aging Research and Lifespan Extension Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, we're joined by Keith Comito, a computer programmer, mathematician, and President at Lifespan. Lifespan.io is a non-profit advocacy foundation dedicated to accelerating initiatives aimed at addressing age-related diseases and extending the healthy human lifespan.

Extending the human lifespan has been a captivating and often controversial topic. Over the years, focus has shifted from merely treating end diseases to addressing the fundamental mechanisms of aging itself.

In this episode, Keith shares with us the factors that inspired his commitment to work on aging research. We also discuss how societal attitudes on extending lifespan have changed over the years and the philosophical implications of infinite lifespan.

In conclusion, Keith underscores the paramount importance of attaining the goals of aging research, emphasizing the positive impact such accomplishments would have on the well-being and advancement of humanity.

Feel free to navigate through any of the topics discussed in the Podcast using the timestamps below.

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⭐ Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

01:09 About Keith

02:09 What drew you to work on Lifespan.io

03:05 The relevance of studying history in Tech

07:05 Evolution of attitudes towards life extension.

09:25 Limits to extending lifespan.

11:33 Pros and cons of traditional science methods

14:25 Critiques of DeSci

15:44 Traditional institutions' views on DeSci

17:37 Contentious topics within your field

19:54 Religion influence on perspectives of aging

22:05 Life extension without limits

26:17 Recurring challenges in your career

29:31 Things you wish you knew earlier

30:51 Recommendations for young people

32:17 Why aging research is important for society.

35:12 Outro

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If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.

If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to

Special thanks to

Lea Degen: https://twitter.com/lealeata

Keith Comito: https://twitter.com/KeithComito

____

Let's connect:

Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C

X: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Michael Baran on Decentralized Science and Investing in Blockchain Technology Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci Podcast. Today, we had the privilege of having Michael Baran as our guest. Michael Baran, MBA, Ph.D. is Executive Director, WRDM, and partner at Pfizer Ventures. In this episode, Michael discusses the unique features of DeSci, highlighting how it is reshaping the scientific landscape and redefining traditional paradigms. We also explored the significant risks in early-stage science investment and discussed key factors deterring investors from entering the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. Michael draws insightful comparisons between DeSci and the Traditional model, exploring both their similarities and differences. Other topics we discussed are the underappreciated values of traditional biotech, common misconceptions about Biopharma, the need for maintaining scientific quality, and many more. Feel free to navigate any topics discussed in the Podcast using the timestamps below. ___ ⭐ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:07 What is the strong case for DeSci? 2:57 Advantages of DeSci Over Traditional Biotech 3:00 Risks associated with investing in early-stage science 4:35 DeSci vs. Traditional Model: Similarities and differences 7:38 Strongest critique of Desci 11:09 Measuring success 13:26 Underexplored areas in Biopharma 15:32 Common misconceptions about Biopharma 16:51 Pfizer partnership models 23:40 Underappreciated values of traditional Biotech 26:43 Maintaining scientific quality 28:40 Contentious topics within your field 31:14 Implicit knowledge in Biopharma 34:26 Recurring challenges in Michael's career 35:42 Selecting the best ideas 39:18 Outro ____ If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below. If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to Special thanks to Lea Degen: https://twitter.com/lealeata Michael Baran: https://twitter.com/scienceman2023 ____ Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C X: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

The Decentralized Biotech Movement with Dr. Jocelynn Pearl (LabDAO) Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci Podcast. Today, we were joined by Dr. Jocelynn Pearl, a biotech scientist and the co-founder of LabDAO, an online life science research community whose mission is to accelerate progress in the life sciences by making scientific tools more accessible.

In this episode, Jocelynn shares insights on the factors and events that birthed the idea of Decentralized Biotech and the importance of incentivizing knowledge sharing so it becomes accessible to other researchers.

We also discuss the pros and cons of centralization within the Biotech sector, the limits of online collaboration, and many more.

Feel free to navigate through any of the topics discussed in the Podcast using the timestamps below.

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⭐ Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:34 The decentralized biotech movement

4:03 Incentivizing knowledge sharing

06:38 What sparked your interest in decentralized science?

13:36 Downsides of centralization in the Biotech sector

16:29 Limits of online collaboration

18:46 Sharing tacit knowledge

20:32 New scientist entrepreneurs you have come across

23:16 Positive aspects of centralization.

26:22 Insights gained over the last few years

27:46 Implicit knowledge in Biotech

29:50 Ensuring funding for good projects

32:38 Contentious topics within LabDAO

34:33 Why Biotech companies prioritize experienced teams for funding

41:01 Outro

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If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.

If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to

Special thanks to

Lea Degen: https://twitter.com/lealeata

Dr. Jocelynn Pearl: https://twitter.com/JocelynnPearl

____

Let's connect:

Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C

X: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Juan Benet on the Translational Science Problem, AGI and Decentralized Science Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci Podcast. Today, we were joined by Juan Benet, the founder of Protocol Labs, an open-source research, development, and deployment laboratory.

In this episode, Juan shares the story of his journey, the origins of Protocol Labs, and how he got involved in building IPFS and Filecoin.

We uncover the underlying issues hindering technological advancements and dive deep into the translational science problem which Juan Benet believes is the biggest challenge facing science today. Juan emphasized the need to facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries and knowledge into real-world applications and solutions that can improve human health and benefit society at large.

Moving forward, we explore the impact of cryptocurrency on scientific research and its transformative potential. Other topics we discussed on the podcast include intersection of Artificial Intelligence and the future, risks associated with Advanced General Intelligence systems and how AGI could potentially shape the future of society.

Feel free to navigate through the various topics covered in the Podcast using the timestamps provided below.

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⭐ Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:32 Background story of Juan Benet

09:28 Fundamental issues holding back technological advancements

14:36 Structural difference between the private sector and academia

21:17 Cryptocurrency's impact on scientific research

30:13 How Protocol Labs is structured

39:19 Protocol Labs' objectives and metrics measurement approach

44:59 Underexplored areas in scientific research

1:02:53 AI and the future

1:11:13 Risks associated with AGI systems

1:22:40 How AGI would shape the future society

1:41:24 What ideas are you most excited about?

1:51:48 Recommendations

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If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below.

If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us an mail at podcast@molecule.to

Special thanks to

Vincent Weisser: https://twitter.com/vincentweisser

Juan Benet: https://twitter.com/juanbenet

____

Let's connect:

Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C

X: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Investing in Network States, DeSci, and Over-regulated Industries | Niklas Anzinger Aug 12, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of The DeSci Podcast. Today, we're joined by Niklas Anzinger, the founder and GP of Infinita, the first VC fund based in a modern charter city (Prospera), investing in founders overcoming regulatory bottlenecks in bio-/healthtech, hardware & crypto-finance through network states & startup cities.

In this episode, Niklas shares insights on Infinitia Funds and how it supports innovative ventures and technological startups. Niklas also sheds light on Prospera's mission to create a self-sustaining and efficient business environment for entrepreneurs and innovative minds to thrive.

We further discuss how poor governance hinders human potential and causes economic stagnation. This highlights the pressing need for an alternative and improved regulatory system, which would revolutionize the startup landscape, fostering growth and progress. We also explored how Network States and Startup Cities can positively impact fields like Longevity and Science in general.

As the discussion progressed, we delved into other projects such as Zuzalu, which aims to build new cities and states with better regulatory systems to foster innovation in extending human lifespans and enhancing overall health outcomes.

Feel free to navigate through the various topics covered in the Podcast using the timestamps provided below.

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⭐ Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

0:58 About Niklas Anzinger

2:08 Infinitia VC Funds and its initiatives

5:24 Stranded Technologies Podcast

8:00 Infinitia’s areas of interest

14:36 The need for an alternative regulatory system

17:33 Competitive governance

28:42 How better regulatory structures would benefit Longevity and DeSci

47:58 Prospera and its mission

51:32 Sebastian’s thoughts on an ideal country to settle in

54:14 How to get involved

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If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us a mail at podcast@molecule.to

Special thanks to

Sebastian Brunemeier: https://twitter.com/sebastian_gero

Niklas Anzinger: https://twitter.com/NiklasAnzinger

____

Let's connect:

Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Law & Disorder: The IP Token Revolution Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci Podcast. Today, we were joined by Jesse Hudson, the Chief Legal Architect at Molecule, Chris Byrnes, an IP Legal Advisor also representing Molecule, and Benji Leibowitz, Product Manager at Molecule. The existing intellectual property (IP) system faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness and innovation potential. Patent trolls, the system's lack of efficiency, and the high transaction costs associated with acquiring and enforcing IP rights further burden inventors, researchers, and scientific enterprises. In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking concept of IP Tokens and how they can help solve the issues plaguing the current IP system. We explain what IP Tokens are and how they differentiate from IP-NFTs. We also discuss how IP tokens could facilitate scientific entrepreneurship and how they open up decentralization in science by enabling a system where the community can partake in the governance processes. Navigate the various topics covered in the Podcast using the timestamps below. ____ ⭐ Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:11 About Jesse Hudson 2:54 About Chris Byrnes 5:47 Fundamental issues within the IP system 11:16 How Molecule facilitates Scientific entrepreneurship 20:12 Overview of Intellectual Property 32:09 What is an IP-NFT? 37:05 IP Tokens and why they matter. 51:11 Digitizing the process of IP licensing 1:02:41 IP Tokens and Decentralization 1:10:16 IP financing 1:16:31 Enforcing IP rights 1:22:22 Outro ____ If you prefer listening to podcasts on audio apps, feel free to search for "The DeSci Podcast" on Spotify, Google Podcasts & Apple Podcasts. You'll also find all links to the podcast apps below. If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us a mail at podcast@molecule.to Special thanks to: Benji Leibowitz: https://twitter.com/benjileibo Jesse Hudson: https://twitter.com/jsshdsn Chris Byrnes: https://twitter.com/reimagineIP ____ Let's connect: Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C Twitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

Reforming Science Funding through better Grants Programs | Ben Reinhardt Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of the DeSci Podcast! Today, we were joined by Ben Reinhardt, founder of Speculative Technologies, a nonprofit research organization that runs coordinated research programs to unlock groundbreaking innovations.

In this episode, we explore the qualities that make funders exceptional and the key factors that contribute to successful startup grants. We also shed light on the social and financial asymmetries between grantor and grantee, highlighting their negative impact on the funding process.

Other topics we discussed are the differences between small and large grants, limitations of grant-making programs, common misconceptions between the public and private sector and many more.

Feel free to navigate through any of the topics discussed in the Podcast using the timestamps below.

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⭐ Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:46 Characteristics of good funders

6:39 Key factors for successful startup grants

13:02 Asymmetries in grantor-grantee relationships

16:20 Small and large grants

19:09 Coordination in research

26:50 Pros and cons of grants

30:28 Limitations and drawbacks of grant-making programs

36:10 Common misconceptions between the public and private sector

38:07 Contentious issues within your field

42:42 Reforming science funding

44:20 How do you approach research management?

46:52 Topics Ben wants to write about

52:04 Outro

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If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us a mail at podcast@molecule.to

Special thanks to:

Lea Degen (host): https://twitter.com/lealeata

Ben Reinhardt: https://twitter.com/Ben_Reinhardt

____

Let's connect:

Website: https://bit.ly/3d6nh2C

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Molecule_dao

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/moleculedao

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