Date created: | Last Updated:

Category: Project

Description: Most scientific research is conducted by small teams of researchers, who together formulate hypotheses, collect data, conduct analyses, and report novel findings. These teams are rather closed and operate as vertically integrated silos. Here we argue that scientific research that is horizontally distributed provides substantial complementary value by maximizing available resources, increasing inclusiveness and transparency, and facilitating error detection. This alternative approach enables researchers to tackle ambitious projects by diversifying contributions and leveraging specialized expertise. The benefits of large scale collaboration span the entire research process: ideation, study design, data collection, data analysis, reporting, and peer review. Crowdsourcing can accelerate the progress of science and improve the quality of scientific research.