The platform aims to tackle the replication crisis, reform flawed incentive structures, and ensure that scientists receive proper recognition for their contributions.

Founded by three experts frustrated with the current state of scientific research, DeSci Labs brings together seasoned academics and a skilled software engineer. Co-Founder Professor Philipp Koellinger has an extensive publication record in top-tier journals like Nature and Science, with over 17,000 citations in social science genetics, economics, and neuroscience. He has held full professorships at the University of Wisconsin Madison and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Dr Christopher Hill, a neuro-economist specialising in human strategic behaviour, contributes his expertise in machine learning and IT systems for hospital infection control. Sina Iman, the third co-founder, is a software engineer with over 20 years of experience, having led engineering teams at Palantir and Anthem and consulted for Booz Allen Hamilton. His background includes developing web and mobile apps, cryptography, video games, and machine learning tools.

DeSci Labs is backed by a roster of leading investors, including Stride VC, OSS Capital, Protocol Labs, Accomplice, HV Capital, and Holtzbrinck Digital.

Through DeSci Publish, researchers can upload their work as versionable research objects, encompassing data, code, analysis plans, images, manuscripts, and more. This system allows for a verifiable and shareable record of research, improving reproducibility, increasing the chances of publication, and advancing researchers' careers.

“We are in the midst of a replication crisis that is derailing scientific progress,” said Prof Koellinger. “Many of the problems relate to the tools we use and the incentives the industry has created. The peer review process is at breaking point with the rise of AI and paper-mill generated content, and journal editors are under huge amounts of pressure.

“Restoring trust in scientific research requires a different approach to the traditional journal model – one that doesn’t depend on author publication charges or subscription fees,” added Prof Koellinger. “We need a scientific record that is open, transparent, and replicable – where good, reproducible science gets recognised.”

Later this year, DeSci Labs will introduce its incentive layer that will reward referees, authors, and editors for high-quality work. This will create revenue streams for journals and communities without relying on paywalls or author publication charges and give communities new tools to improve the speed and quality of the peer review process.