- Pin
- 🎁 12th Anniversary Celebration – Reward Distribution Notification
🎊 Congratulations to all winners! Rewards have been sent to your Gate accounts. Please check your balances
Note:
- In regions where shipping isn’t available, physical merch will be converted to equivalent vouchers — please be patient;
- If an item is out of stock, it will be substituted with merch of equal value.
🚀 Thank you for your support! Stay tuned for more exciting events
- What are Gate Post Ambassadors? One article guides you through the responsibilities and benefits of being a Gate Post ambassador!👇️
Deloitte Hosted "DeSci Japan Summit" Report: A New Era of Scientific Research Opened by Web3
The event began with an opening address by Tomohiro Terazono, Executive Officer in charge of Advanced Technology at Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC, followed by a conversation titled "DeSci Revolution: Following Global Trends" between Yusuke Shitara, editor-in-chief of Gentoosha's "Atarashii Keizai," and the aforementioned speaker.
What is DeSci
Abbreviation for "Decentralized Science." A new initiative aimed at solving challenges in scientific research activities using Practical Blockchain and Web3 technology. It is gaining attention for providing a decentralized funding and collaboration model for long-term research themes that are difficult to tackle with traditional VC investments.
Keynote Dialogue: Understanding the DeSci Revolution
In this discussion, the basic concepts of Practical Blockchain technology and Web3 were first explained, followed by a discussion on the background that has drawn attention to DeSci.
Mr. Shitara explained the blockchain as "a database that is not managed by a specific company or individual, allowing anyone to participate and use it, designed to avoid creating a specific leader." He elucidated the characteristics of decentralized systems in comparison to traditional centralized internet services.
"Current internet services are centralized platforms, but Practical Blockchain is structured so that data is not concentrated in one place; instead, computers around the world connect and continue to store the same data," said Mr. Shitara.
A new paradigm brought by Web3
Mr. Shitara continued by mentioning one of the transformations brought about by Practical Blockchain technology and Web3 as "methods of fundraising." It was introduced that cross-border fundraising has become possible through ICOs (Initial Coin Offering), IEOs (Initial Exchange Offering), NFTs, and more.
"As an example of what Practical Blockchain and Web3 have brought, DeFi (Decentralized Finance) has become a major success story. Currently, the total amount of assets deposited in systems resembling decentralized banks and securities firms on programs exceeds 100 billion dollars," explained Mr. Shitara.
The Possibilities and Challenges of DeSci
The central theme of the discussion, DeSci (Decentralized Science), was elaborated upon by Mr. Terazono, who spoke about its concepts and possibilities.
"As a challenge in scientific research, companies face difficulties in securing excellent researchers and the investment risks associated with medium- to long-term themes, while academia has challenges such as securing funding and providing extensive research support to ensure international competitiveness. DeSci is an initiative aimed at problem-solving by utilizing Web3 technology," explained Mr. Terazono.
In addition, specific DeSci projects such as AxonDAO, which collects healthcare data and develops predictive algorithms for specific diseases, ResearchHub DAO, which aims to rebuild the academic peer review system, and VitaDAO, focused on longevity research, were introduced. It was indicated that DeSci DAOs are advancing projects in various fields.
Mr. Terayama stated, "DeSci brings new possibilities to long-term themes that are typically difficult for VCs (venture capital) to invest in, such as longevity research and climate change, by leveraging decentralized mechanisms."
Prospects for DeSci Implementation in Japan
Although there are currently no major projects launched for DeSci implementation in Japan, it was introduced that discussions are beginning, primarily among companies and academia.
"When launching DeSci, challenges such as concept design, funding methods, regulations, and taxation will arise. This is similar to mixed martial arts, but it can be advanced by utilizing insights from already established fields like DeFi," explained Mr. Terazono.
Mr. Shitaka expressed his expectations for DeSci by stating, "In addition to the conventional form in which companies and research institutions have gathered knowledge and conducted research, it is possible to create a system where everyone can openly participate in research." He further noted, "Being able to involve the public in important themes such as longevity research is anticipated to contribute to the evolution of research."
Additionally, it was expressed that "DeSci is a theme that is easy for politicians to advocate. Not only is it related to industry-academia collaboration, but it can also involve politics, making it a field that could be easier to promote in Japan."
Future Outlook
Through the dialogue, it was emphasized that DeSci, while still in its developmental stages, holds great potential as a new form of scientific research. With the evolution of Practical Blockchain technology and Web3, innovation is expected in various aspects, such as methods of securing research funding, sharing research results, and forming researcher communities.
Mr. Terayama stated, "DeSci is a trend that should be addressed across Japan as a whole. In particular, the collaboration among industry, academia, and government is becoming an important point."