MAGIC 2025 - 2nd Workshop on Matter, Astrophysics, Gravitation, Ions and Cosmology

Open Science Nexus (OSN) – A Decentralized Platform for Free Scientific Collaboration

Not scheduled

20m

Buenos Aires

Speaker

Dr Benno Bodmann (UFRGS)

Description

1. Vision
   •To create a digital ecosystem where scientists, researchers, technologists, educators and thinkers worldwide can collaborate freely, beyond institutional bureaucracy, political agendas, and mainstream constraints.
2. Core Principles
   •Decentralization: No single institution controls the platform; governance is community-driven.
   •Open-Mindedness: Encourages unconventional new ideas, interdisciplinary work, and constructive debate.
   •Meritocracy: Ideas are judged by their rigor.
   •Transparency: Research proposals, methodologies, and discussions are open for peer scrutiny.
   •Global Participation: Scientists from all backgrounds can contribute, regardless of institutional affiliation.
3. Platform Structure
   A. Digital Hub
   •Personal Profiles: Each member has a dedicated page to post research ideas, preprints, and project proposals.
   •Collaboration Spaces: Topic-based forums for discussions, working groups, and joint publications.
   •Open Peer Review: A dynamic, crowd-sourced review system.
   •Resource Sharing: Open datasets, tools, and methodologies accessible to all members.
   B. Organizational Framework
   •Working Groups: Self-organized team focusing on specific research areas.
   •Online & In-Person Events: Virtual seminars, annual conferences, and regional meetups.
   •Educational Initiatives: Open-access courses, mentorship programs, and skill-sharing workshops.
   C. Governance Model
   •Democratic Decision-Making: Major decisions (e.g., platform rules, funding allocation) are voted on by active members.
   •Advisory Council: A rotating group of respected scientists to guide the platform’s direction.
4. Implementation Plan
   Phase 1: Prototype Development (6-12 months)
   •Build a basic web platform with profiles, forums, and collaboration tools and recruit founding members (scientists, independent researchers, forward-thinking academics).
   •Launch a pilot working group on a high-impact topic (e.g., AI ethics, alternative energy solutions).
   Phase 2: Expansion (1-2 years)
   •Grow membership through open invitations and networking.
   •Establish funding mechanisms (donations, grants, optional membership fees).
   •Host the first global online conference.
   Phase 3: Institutional Independence (3+ years)
   •Develop sustainable funding (e.g., crowdfunding, partnerships with open-science orgs).
   •Formalize legal structure (e.g., as a nonprofit foundation).
   •Expand in-person collaborations, labs, and research hubs.
5. Challenges & Mitigation

•Credibility: Ensure rigorous self-policing to prevent pseudoscience while allowing radical ideas.
•Funding: Start with minimal costs (open-source tools, volunteer work), then seek grants/patronage.
•Adoption: Target early adopters—young researchers, independent scientists, and reform-minded academics.
6. Call to Action
This initiative can only succeed with a critical mass of passionate individuals. If you believe in a freer, more open scientific future, join the discussion and help build Open Science Nexus.
7. Next Steps
1. Gather a Founding Group – Identify 10-20 researchers/thinkers to refine the concept.
2. Launch a Minimal Viable Platform

COORDINATION:
BENNO BODMAN
benno.bodmann@gmx.de