Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson recently weighed in on a critical issue in academic publishing, pointing to blockchain-based Decentralized Science (DeSci) as a solution. Hoskinson’s comments came in response to a post on X by Mushtaq Bilal, an academic writing expert, who highlighted the inequities in the current publishing system. His remarks sparked a discussion on how blockchain technology could transform the industry, empowering authors and reviewers who are often left uncompensated.
A Broken System
Bilal’s post focused on the staggering revenue generated by top academic publishers, who profit immensely while contributing authors and reviewers receive nothing. According to Bilal, publishers like Elsevier rake in $3.9 billion annually, Springer Nature earns $2 billion, while Wiley and Wolters Kluwer pocket $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Taylor & Francis and Sage, the smaller players, still bring in hundreds of millions. However, despite their central role in research and peer review, authors and reviewers see no financial reward for their contributions.
Hoskinson responded swiftly, asserting that blockchain-powered DeSci could rectify these imbalances. He labeled the traditional peer review and publishing system as “broken,” echoing sentiments shared by many in academia.
Decentralized Science (DeSci) to the Rescue
The core principle of DeSci is to eliminate the middlemen—publishers—who profit from academic work while contributing little. DeSci operates on a blockchain network, offering an open-source, peer-to-peer system where research can be freely shared, validated, and curated without paywalls or publication fees. This decentralized system gives researchers full control over their work, bypassing the need for traditional publishers and their exorbitant fees.
In addition to tackling the issue of compensation, DeSci also solves problems related to funding, data sharing, and collaboration in scientific research. By decentralizing the process, blockchain provides transparency, fairness, and accessibility, enabling a more inclusive and equitable platform for scientific innovation.
Hoskinson’s Recent Blockchain Endorsements
Hoskinson’s advocacy for DeSci is part of his broader push for blockchain adoption in areas beyond cryptocurrency. Just days before his comments on academic publishing, Hoskinson praised the Sui blockchain for becoming the first to activate a secure alternative to the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), a crucial part of internet infrastructure. His vocal support of emerging blockchain projects continues to reinforce his commitment to driving real-world applications for decentralized technology.
Also Read: Charles Hoskinson Praises Sui – ‘What Solana Should Have Been’ As SUI Surges 10% In One Day
Hoskinson’s endorsement of DeSci is a bold statement in favor of transforming the academic publishing landscape. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, decentralized platforms like DeSci could play a pivotal role in ensuring fair compensation for researchers and creating a more open, transparent, and collaborative scientific community. With leaders like Hoskinson pushing for change, the future of academic publishing might just lie in the hands of blockchain.
By highlighting the broken system of academic publishing and proposing DeSci as a solution, Hoskinson brings attention to the potential of blockchain to disrupt yet another industry—one long overdue for reform.
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