The DeSci Podcast

The DeSci Podcast

By MoleculeScience
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The DeSci Podcast episodes

  • The DeSci London Conference 2024: A Preview with Alfred Brown

    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 [email protected]
    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

    1 hr 9 min
  • Challenging the Status Quo: Stuart Buck on Science Funding & Research

    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.

    ___

    ⭐ 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


    ____

    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 [email protected]


    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

    48 min
  • Advancing Research in Brain Health and Longevity through Decentralized Science | Brian Magierski

    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.


    ___

    ⭐ 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

    ____

    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 [email protected]


    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

    36 min
  • Keith Comito's Insights on Aging Research and Lifespan Extension

    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.

    ___

    ⭐ 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

    ____

    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 [email protected]


    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

    36 min
  • Michael Baran on Decentralized Science and Investing in Blockchain Technology

    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 [email protected]
    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

    40 min
  • The Decentralized Biotech Movement with Dr. Jocelynn Pearl (LabDAO)

    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.

    ___

    ⭐ 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

    ____

    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 [email protected]


    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

    42 min
  • Juan Benet on the Translational Science Problem, AGI and Decentralized Science

    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.

    ___

    ⭐ 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

    ____

    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 [email protected]


    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

    1 hr 55 min
  • Investing in Network States, DeSci, and Over-regulated Industries | Niklas Anzinger

    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.

    ___

    ⭐ 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

    ____

    If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us a mail at [email protected]


    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

    57 min
  • Law & Disorder: The IP Token Revolution

    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 [email protected]
    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

    1 hr 24 min
  • Reforming Science Funding through better Grants Programs | Ben Reinhardt

    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.

    ____

    ⭐ 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

    ____

    If you want to join us on the show as a speaker or have guest ideas, please shoot us a mail at [email protected]


    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

    53 min

About The DeSci Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Rethinking Science - Let's talk to the leaders of the decentralized science industry about the future of biotech. Brought to you by www.molecule.to