Crowdfunding for Research Dollars: A Cure for Science?s Ills?

Science in crisis

Scientists ? and science generally ? are in a moment of crisis on multiple fronts. The gap between science and society has grown to a chasm, with disastrous consequences for issue after issue. For example, just last month, Tennessee passed legislation permitting creation ?science? into classrooms. On another front, the concern of Americans about global warming has dramatically declined over the past decade, ?despite the scientific consensus on the clear and present danger caused by climate change.

But science illiteracy in the general public isn?t the only crisis in science. Funding for research is becoming increasingly unattainable, with funding rates at their lowest levels in a decade at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the two most important American science agencies (see here and here for details). The situation in many other nations is no better. In Spain, for example, science spending by the central government has fallen by 20% since 2009. Even worse, research funding from traditional sources will likely be even harder to come by in the years to come due to ongoing economic instability around the world.

The solution

The public disengagement with science and the difficulty of funding research are very different problems. Unexpectedly though, there is a new solution that might just answer both problems: science crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is a relatively new internet-based method of fundraising. With crowdfunding, individuals post projects that need funding on websites, like RocketHub and Kickstarter, and then solicit contributions for those projects from the general public. Crowdfunding has grown explosively over the past few years as a source of funding in many fields (like arts and technology), with $1.5 billion raised by this method in 2011 alone. The arts-based Kickstarter expects to disburse $150 million this year, more than the National Endowment for the Arts. In the sciences, the British charity Cancer Research UK regularly funds specific cancer-related research projects to the tune of fifty thousand pounds and above.

With the exception of Cancer Research UK, science has been essentially untouched by crowdfunding until recently. ?However, given the crowdfunding amounts that have been raised elsewhere, the potential of generating significant amounts of research cash by this method is obvious. It might seem less obvious how science crowdfunding could help close the yawning gap between science and society. To understand the connection, it is important to note that the culture of science itself shares a lot of the blame for the public?s science illiteracy.

It is not news that the culture of science generally frowns upon researchers engaging in science outreach with the wider world (though a recent paper in the journal PLoS ONE lays out the case in depressing detail). Even when science outreach does occur, the focus is often not on the public, but instead on decision-makers ? the elite few who most directly move the levers of power.

Why is crowdfunding good news for connecting science and society?

Science crowdfunding changes the equation by adding a powerful new incentive for scientists to engage the public with science: the potential for raising money for research directly from the public. What makes crowdfunding such a powerful potential lever to connect science and society is that the amount of money that can be raised in this way is directly proportional to the size of the audience that has been built. As an example, if we look at the six projects on Kickstarter that each have raised over a million dollars this year, all but one tapped into huge networks of people that the project creators had been building for years. I am the co-organizer of a science crowdfunding effort called the #SciFund Challenge and the results from our own projects show the same thing: money raised depends on the audience that has been built.

So, how do scientists go about building an audience interested in their research? Where does the crowd in crowdfunding come from? A great model lies no further than your radio: your local NPR station. Most of the time, NPR member stations are just pushing out fantastic programming (Fresh Air, I am looking at you). Every so often though, the stations reach out to you to ask for cash to keep the programming rolling. Whether or not you give money though, they still want you listening to the programming.

A very similar model could work well for science crowdfunding. On a regular basis, a scientist would be reaching out with her science message to broader audiences (via public talks, blog posts, and so on). The message of the scientist would not be focussed on money, but rather on compelling stories in science (the scientist?s own research, interesting developments in the scientist?s field, etc.). By regularly reaching out with her science, the researcher would over time build credibility with a growing audience. And every so often, if the scientist reached out to that audience to request funds to keep the research rolling, that audience would respond. How much money could a scientist actually raise for her research this way? The example of Cancer Research UK shows that, if the audience is large, a large amount can be raised.

One way to think of the relationship between audience and crowdfunding potential is a version of the Thousand True Fans Model. Musicians, videomakers, and other artists have used this model for a few years now to figure out how to make a living from their art. The idea behind the model is that only the most committed fraction of your audience will provide the majority of the dollars to keep the art going. Consequently, the goal of the artist is to cater to that fraction and to grow that fraction over time. For science, the Thousand True Fans Model goes a bit differently, because those audience members who aren?t contributing dollars are still incredibly valuable. ?All members of a researcher?s audience (contributing or not) are connected to science and those individual connections are essential for closing the gap between science and society.

What would this world look like if every scientist touched a thousand people each year with their science message? How would science-related policy decisions be different if every citizen had a scientist that they personally knew? One thing is for sure: a world with closer connections between scientists and the public would be a better world. And crowdfunding might just help to get us there.

As I mentioned earlier, I am one of the co-organizers of the #SciFund Challenge, a volunteer-run science crowdfunding organization. We train scientists how to run crowdfunding projects, provide community, and also provide some publicity once projects launch. We currently have 75 amazing science crowdfunding projects that are running for the month of May. You can find the projects listed by category at scifundchallenge.org or directly at scifund.rockethub.com.

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The Computer Hardware Market in India will be worth Rs 44.8 Billion ...

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The PC peripherals market is booming in India. Logitech, one of the leading market players in the segment, is seeing it as a major growth opportunity. With mobile devices like smartphones and tablets getting increasingly popular in India, Logitech feels that India is becoming a hot destination for PC peripherals.

Expert Opinion

Subrotah Biswas, country manager, Logitech India, spoke about Logitech?s plans for the Indian market and his opinion on Indian peripherals market:

The drive behind the growth of Computer Hardware in India

The growth of PC peripherals market is India is completely driven by sustainable growth of personal computers in the country. If you look at the figures, this market was Rs 15 billion in 2009. It will grow to Rs 44.8 billion by 2015. This market is surely witnessing a very dynamic growth. It means that number of PC and laptop users will also increase. Hence, there is enough opportunity for Logitech to create products, which bring in convenience, durability and a whole lot of enriching experience. The trend is that people want to get the latest technology almost as soon as they have adopted one. People buy one gadget today and within three to six months time, new technology comes up. There are new preferences, new needs in the market with regard to latest technologies. Also, Indians have a developed taste for aesthetic value of products. This is yet another challenge for players in this market. We are conducting researches to find out how a product exactly fits into the overall scheme of things of consumers including his personality, his preferences. If you notice our new wireless product line, you will see how we are trying to drive the shift in preferences. We are trying to understand the current comfort levels of consumers and giving them options to utilise the new philosophy of ?touch?.

Which is the best institute for Computer Hardware & Networking?

With a vision to train and mould the best IT professionals, Jetking has established itself as a leading Hardware and Networking training institute. Jetking has a strong focus on quality training and has pioneered a unique way to groom students with its Smartlab Plus training methodology. The programme trains students in soft skills, presentation skills, fluency in English, personality development training and even yoga which allows students to develop great focus and concentration. Jetking?s students walk out with an extra edge and leave as industry ready professionals.

Want to join the Computer Hardware industry?

Learn Computer Hardware technology

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Matthew McConaughey Nabs Spot On 'Magic Mike' Soundtrack

Actor will perform song 'Ladies of Tampa' on soundtrack to Steven Soderbergh-directed flick.
By Jocelyn Vena

Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum in "Magic Mike"
Photo: Warner Bros.

It's raining men and cheesy music all over the "Magic Mike" soundtrack. A number of classics made the cut, and so did star Matthew McConaughey, who will be putting his shirtless stamp all over a track called "Ladies of Tampa."

Other songs on the soundtrack include a cover of the Weather Girls classic "It's Raining Men," by Countre Black, as well as the Foreigner classic "Feels Like the First Time." The soundtrack will drop on June 26, , just in time for the film, which opens June 29.

Noticeably absent from the track list is Ginuwine's "Pony," which star Channing Tatum said he dances to in the flick. "I dance to a pretty sexy hip-hop song, 'Pony,' " . "It's been one of my all-time favorite songs to grind to, so hopefully it's going to be [good]. And everyone did their own dancing. There is not a bit of substitution, everyone was game to take it off and get crazy."

"Magic Mike" follows Tatum, the title character, as he takes a newbie stripper (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing. In addition to catching those two dance around shirtless, audiences will see McConaughey, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello playing strippers in the Steven Soderbergh-directed film. Tatum will join MTV News during MTV Sneak Peek Week on Thursday, May 31, to chat about the release. It will all go down at the 5 Towers on Universal CityWalk the week of the 2012 MTV Movie Awards.

The full track list for the "Magic Mike" soundtrack:

»Alice Russell, "Breakdown"
»Countre Black, "It's Raining Men"
»The Unknown, "Bang Bang Boom"
»Black Daniel, "Gimme What You Got"
»Cloud Control, "Just for Now"
»Ringside, "Money"
»Joe Tex, "Sassy Sexy Wiggle"
»Vegas Audio Ninjas, "Mo Cash!"
»Beth Thornley, "Wash U Clean"
»Win Win featuring Blaqstarr, "Victim"
»Matthew McConaughey, "Ladies of Tampa"
»Foreigner, "Feels Like the First Time"

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California Marijuana Dispensaries Can Obtain Workers Compensation

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Collectives?Online Workers Compensation With State Fund

by JB Woods
2012, ? Greenpoint Insurance Advisors, LLC

For medical marijuana dispensaries in California needing workers compensation insurance.? Go directly to State Fund to apply for workers compensation coverage.? Click Here

?

You don?t need an insurance broker!

State Fund

In California, every employer is required to carry workers? compensation insurance, and in turn, State Fund?s charter ensures that all employers are able to obtain workers? compensation insurance through State Fund. State Fund currently insures approximately one in four California businesses, thereby protecting employees and supporting California?s entrepreneurial spirit.

You may obtain workers? compensation insurance in California in the following ways:

• Through a broker: If you currently do not have a broker and would like a referral, please contact IBA West at (800) 772-8998 or visit their Web site. IBA West represents independent agents and insurance brokers in California who employ thousands of insurance professionals and will provide assistance in selecting a broker for your insurance
• Directly with an insurance carrier that provides California workers? compensation insurance.

Obtaining Coverage from State Fund
You may apply for workers? compensation coverage through our Web site: Go to Request a Quote.

Note: The State Compensation Insurance Fund is organized as a public enterprise fund and is a division within the California Department of Industrial Relations. The State Compensation Insurance Fund is not a branch of the State of California.

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Facing edgy vote, Egypt army hikes diesel imports

LONDON (Reuters) - Egypt's military rulers plan to spend close to $1 billion on diesel this summer, a spike in imports as they brace for a first free presidential election triggered by last year's uprising with a wary eye on renewed civil unrest.

Fuel shortages have already caused public anger this year and slowed the grain harvest. And with creditors pressing for Egypt's new leaders to risk a popular backlash by cutting back on longstanding fuel subsidies, the generals may also be anxious to ensure supplies for the army's own trucks and tanks.

Tender documents seen by Reuters show state-owned Egyptian General Petroleum Corp (EGPC) is seeking to buy more than one million tonnes of gasoil, or diesel, from July to September - almost as much as it sought in the preceding six months.

"It certainly seems to be an attempt to safeguard political stability. The army is probably looking at different contingency plans and questions over what will happen next," said Jane Kinninmont, a senior research fellow at London's Chatham House.

"Shortages of basics like diesel and butane can trigger civil unrest - especially if people start to blame the new president for not doing enough to help them."

One Egyptian official said he had no details on the tender. Other officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

The 36 cargoes being tendered for compare to just 24 cargoes bought via tender for the entire second half of last year. Since then, shortages have at times led to long lines for fuel which disrupted business and infuriated an Egyptian public whose anger at economic stagnation was a key driver of last year's revolt.

An injection of cash from ally Saudi Arabia has eased a funding crunch for Cairo that may help pay for energy imports, which also includes a tender for 360,000 tonnes of gasoline.

"It's a hell of a lot of cargoes," said a gasoil trader, attributing the size of the tender to a mix of politics and seasonal summer demand for electricity for air conditioning.

A second gasoil trader also said the tender could be a sign the military was stockpiling fuel ahead of the election: "They need it so they can either keep tanks running," he suggested.

Most of Egypt's thousands of U.S.-built and older Soviet-made armored vehicles, used by its half-million strong armed forces to contain civil unrest, run on diesel fuel.

The current grain harvest, essential to maintaining staple bread supplies for Egypt's 82 million people, was also hit by shortages of diesel for tractors and machinery, though official and trade sources said higher government prices being paid to farmers meant state grain purchases were now back to normal.

ARMY ROLE

The generals who eased aside fellow military man Hosni Mubarak after a popular revolt against his three-decade rule 15 months ago have pledged to oversee a fair presidential election this week and to hand power to the new president by July 1.

But few Egyptians believe the army will give up a key role in society and commerce - where senior officers control major business interests. Most expect it to go on trying to maintain order as any new leadership struggles with reviving the economy.

Already under fiscal pressure, and with growth faltering, Egypt's government saw its need for fuel imports rise in April when fire shut down a refinery [ID:nL3E8FJ5W0].

The total volume it is tendering for now is equivalent to 24 cargoes of gasoil for delivery to the ports of Alexandria and El Dekheila on the Mediterranean and a further 12 cargoes to Suez, on the Red Sea. The tenders, for delivery over three months from July to September, close at the end of this month.

Trade sources said trading giant Glencore is currently among Egypt's biggest suppliers of gasoil, winning over half of the volumes sought in a tender earlier this year.

Comparing Egypt's total fuel imports over time is difficult, since it buys in the less public spot market on occasion if its main purchases under term contracts fail to cover its needs.

Saudi Arabia has transferred $1 billion to Egypt's central bank, part of a Saudi support package that also includes $500 million for development projects, $250 million to finance purchases of petroleum products and $200 million for businesses.

Further ahead, Egypt's new rulers, whose powers and political complexion have yet to be determined, face a looming fiscal crunch that could see them try to cut fuel subsidies, which account for a fifth of state spending.

Negotiating a $3.2-billion emergency loan to tide Cairo over a balance of payments crisis, the International Monetary Fund is expected to require a commitment to financial reforms that may test the patience of Egyptians, who have already seen job losses and other hardships as political turmoil has hurt the economy.

(Additional reporting by Maha El Dahan in Abu Dhabi, Edmund Blair and Tom Perry in Cairo, Jessica Jaganathan in Singapore and Dmitry Zhdannikov in London; Editing by Alastair Macdonald)

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Indian passenger train rams freight train; 15 die

HYDERABAD, India (AP) ? A passenger train rammed into a freight train before dawn Tuesday in southern India, killing at least 15 people in the collision and fire, officials said.

At least 70 people were rescued from the crash in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh state, and at least 35 were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, said Charu Sinha, a top district police official.

The freight train had been stopped at the station near Penukonda when the Hampi Express slammed into it. Four coaches of the passenger train derailed when the driver applied emergency brakes on seeing the freight train on the same track, said district official Durga Das.

One of the coaches caught fire, trapping many passengers. At least eight people were burned to death, Sinha said.

"We are trying to identify the bodies and will hand them over to the families," Das said.

Railway officials said an investigation has begun on the cause of the accident and whether it was due to a faulty signal or caused by a driver error.

"Investigations are on and stringent action will be taken against the guilty," said Mani Kumar, a railway manager.

The Hampi Express was headed for the southern city of Bangalore when the crash took place. Penukonda is about 170 kilometers (105 miles) north of Bangalore.

India has one of the world's largest railroad networks. Around 20 million people in India travel by train each day.

Associated Press

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Rutgers trial: Ravi to make statement before sentencing

Former Rutgers student Dharun Ravi will make a statement to a packed New Brunswick, N.J. courtroom today before he is sentenced.

In March, Ravi was found guilty of a hate crime for using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate Tyler Clementi.

Ravi, 20, faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and any jail time will likely also mean deportation for the Indian native.

Ravi was convicted of invasion of privacy, bias intimidation, witness tampering and hindering arrest, stemming from his role in activating the webcam to peek at Clementi's date with a man in the dorm room on Sept. 19, 2010.

Ravi was also convicted of encouraging others to spy during a second date, on Sept. 21, 2010, and intimidating Clementi for being gay.

The defendant will address the court today, sources told ABC News.

His statement will join others, including members of Clementi's family, who are expected to make victim impact statements.

In recent days, several prominent gay activists have made public pleas for Ravi to not be sent to prison.

Judge Glenn Berman began the proceedings today by noting the court had received a box full of petitions seeking a pardon for Ravi.

Some of the petitions were addressed to President Obama, but the judge said the president has no ability to pardon someone for a state crime.

Some of the petitions were addressed to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who would have the authority to pardon someone for a state crime.

Clementi's case gained national attention when he committed suicide shortly after the spying by jumping off the George Washington Bridge Sept. 22, 2010. Ravi is not charged in connection with Clementi's death.

Three of the convictions carried a sentence of five to 10 years in prison. Because Ravi is a citizen of India, and is in the U.S. on a green card, he could be deported following his sentencing. The U.S. deports most criminals convicted of felonies, with the exception of thefts of amounts under $10,000.

Ravi had previously rejected a plea deal that would have spared him any jail time or the threat of deportation, but put him on probation and would have required him to perform community service.

Ravi was found not guilty of some subparts of the 15 counts of bias intimidation, attempted invasion of privacy, and attempted bias intimidation, but needed only to be found guilty of one part of each count to be convicted.

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