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Published online 19 May 2009 | 459, 305 (2009) | doi:10.1038/459305a
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Public donations to lift research
Website paves way for people power.
Researchers looking for a little extra money to explore an idea may soon have a new funding 'agency' to ask for help: the masses. A Florida researcher has launched a project designed both to solicit public donations for individual research programmes and to inspire public interest in science and engineering.
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I am part of an organization called FundScience that shares many of its goals with SciFlies. We started in early 2008, accepting donations to fund pilot research projects for young investigators and to increase public awareness of science issues. Like SciFlies, we are in the early stages of our venture, and many aspects remain to be ironed out. However, the development of organizations such as FundScience and SciFlies indicates an important movement in science funding and a move to think outside the box in relation to science funding. I agree with Rush Holt in that this type of funding is "akin to public funding of the arts" and should be encouraged. The rise of additional organizations participating in this type of funding legitimizes the movement, and increases awareness. For more information about FundScience, vist http://fundscience.org. While you are there, contribute to our blog, and spread the word about FundScience and SciFlies.