Blockchain Papers

Mélanie Chevance, J. M. Diederik Kruijssen, Steven N. Longmore

Astrophysics forms a cornerstone of human curiosity and has revolutionised our understanding of the Universe. However, conventional academic structures often hinder collaboration, transparency, and discovery. We present COOL Research DAO, a next-generation framework for cosmic origins astrophysics research that uses decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) principles to make astrophysics research globally accessible, economically fair, and intellectually open. COOL Research DAO is designed to address four key systemic problems and their manifestations in traditional academic research: general inaccessibility, hierarchical organisation, unfair economic structures, and inefficient knowledge transfer. We describe how these inefficiencies can be addressed using blockchain-based tools and token systems. By fostering bottom-up governance, open-access knowledge networks, and transparent rewards, COOL Research DAO reshapes economic, organisational, and educational paradigms in astrophysics research. Our approach leverages the data-rich and inherently international nature of astrophysics, ensuring a scalable, collaborative platform that welcomes contributions ranging from computational analyses to public outreach. In doing so, we highlight a path toward realising our vision of a truly open research ecosystem, driven by community ownership, intellectual freedom, and shared fascination with our cosmic origins.

Gunnar Stefansson, Jamie Lentin, Anna Helga Jonsdottir, Eyþór Eiríksson · 5 authors

In response to COVID-19, a new project was started to allow students to solve computerised math drills outside of school. In 9 months it has gone from zero to one thousand students, in co-operation with ten community libraries in various slums and low-income regions in Kenya. The program uses the tutor-web as a study environment and access is provided by donating tablet computers to participating community libraries. Students are rewarded using the SmileyCoin cryptocurrency as they progress through the system and the libraries are free to sell for SMLY small food items, sanitary pads and the tablets themselves. The reward system is designed to put an emphasis on secondary school mathematics. Completion of the corresponding collection of drills gives SmileyCoin awards sufficient to purchase a tablet. Conclusions based on the first year indicate that the resulting effect on participation and performance is unprecedented: Eleven libraries with 1301 students opted for voluntary participation in 2021 causing the program to run at full financial capacity. In that year, 450 students earned enough SMLY to purchase the tablets, which involves completing a large collection of drills to a level of excellence. Status exam questions are dispersed within the drill collection. These independent measurements show learning which surpasses both rote learning and mechanical learning and demonstrate an increase in the general ability to address new mathematical problems not seen before.