Blockchain is an all-round panacea – at least according to the DeSci movement. Here is their group photo from a meeting held in Berlin in June 2025. | Photo provided by subject

The problems of the traditional world of science are nothing new. Processes are slow, publishers monopolise the literature, and many research findings often fail to work in practice. The newest magic formula that aims to solve these problems is ‘decentralised science’, or DeSci for short. In 2025, conferences were held on the topic in London, Berlin and  Dubai. “This movement aims to break free from the limitations of established academic infrastructures”, according to one company involved, emphasising how it could allow “scientists and researchers to conduct their work independently with the help of cryptocurrency funding”. In fact, those conferences were primarily about investing in projects that are to take place on a blockchain rather than at a university: publications, patient data, patents. Whether this will solve the broader problems of science remains to be seen.