Scientific research is a growing casualty of economic unrest. As one example, Brazil is now debating a law that will freeze all government spending for 20 years. That fiscal trend creates a lively playing field for science-oriented crowdfunding sites worldwide. Examples include medstartr.com, walacea.com, and sciencestarter.de. Amounts are usually small and donation-based, but benefactors find that risk-prone engagement affords them a chance to develop baseline relationships with ninjas and gurus. And, most importantly, if an idea takes venture form, the research-underwriting role often puts them at the front of the investment queue. Academics agree that these sites upend the traditional grant process with shorter funding cycles. We expect that crowdfunding will replace government patronage in many cases. ■
Learn more at Science
© 2016 Cranganore Inc. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any material on this site without written permission is prohibited.
Image Credit: Scanrail at Can Stock Photo.
