Scientists use Kickstarter to get research funding

With research budgets for scientists getting tighter, the Internet may be playing a more important role in funding the research work of scientists. New sites such as Kickstarter, IndieGoGo and RocketHub are gaining popularity as a venue for prospective donors to fund scientists’ works, according to a report on The New York Times. A New York Times story cited an instance where biologists Jennifer Calkins and Jennifer Gee raised funds through the Kickstarter site, and raised $4,873 for expenses to study the elegant quail in Mexico this fall. The biggest backers of the quail project included ranchers and hunters. Calkins and Gee may even be the first professional scientists to use a generic crowd-funding site to fund basic research. Gee, interim manager of the Robert J. Bernard Biological Field Station in Claremont, California, noted each radio transmitter for the quail costs $135 while the receiver to track birds costs up to $2,000. Calkins is an adjunct professor of biology at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. “By contributing to this project you will support a study of this little known species as we examine its behavior and evolution in its natural habitat, a space encroached upon by both urban sprawl and tension surrounding narcotics trafficking," Calkins pleaded to potential donors on Kickstarter. Cuts for crowd-sourcing sites The New York Times report said that Kickstarter takes a five-percent cut when the projects meet or exceed their fund-raising goals. But when pledges fall short of a goal, donors pay nothing. Gee admitted hesitating as they feared they may lose legitimacy among fellow scientists, especially since the process is now reviewed by peers. “I have had to be opportunistic about keeping my research going ... I collect data guerrilla style — when and where I can! I think my story is typical," The New York Times quoted Gee as saying in an e-mail. Other projects Italian scientist Andrea Gaggioli, a psychology and technology researcher at Catholic University of Milan, has started the Open Genius Project, a crowd-funding initiative seeking to provide seed money for breakthrough research. But Gaggioli’s crowd-funding initiative may need funds before it can start accepting proposals. — TJD, GMA News