FAQs

SciFlies makes science happen by filling the funding gap for the advancement of research and development projects that lead to new discoveries and innovation. This new model for funding scientific research allows the general public to get directly involved. Large groups of small donations will finance research projects that are poised to make new discoveries, but just lack funding to get started.

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SciFlies gets people excited about scientific research by using a grassroots approach that showcases a variety of vetted and qualified projects, from across all fields of scientific inquiry, that need funding. For the first time, the average person has the means to choose and finance research through small, online donations. SciFlies creates a world in which people can directly accelerate science and technology research, discovery and innovation.

Question About a Project

As a member of the general public, you can participate by looking through researcher profiles, videos and project information and contributing online to your favorite projects. All donations made to SciFlies are tax-deductible.

How does SciFlies work?

SciFlies allows donors to connect with scientists working in their fields of interest. A person can view the research opportunities, choose their favorite and send a donation. When enough donors sign on, the research begins. Donors will stay updated on the progress and final results.

How do I know that a research project is scientifically credible?

Before a project is approved and posted to the SciFlies website, the researcher(s) must submit a proposal that is reviewed by an anonymous panel of scientific experts. These experts are evaluating, on multiple levels, whether the science is credible and whether the project is viable. Currently, this peer review support is provided by The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association. In addition to organizing membership activities, AAAS publishes the journal Science, as well as many scientific newsletters, books and reports, and spearheads programs that raise the bar of understanding for science worldwide.

Where does my donation go?

Funds go into the SciFlies account and are held there until the research project’s total funding requirement is met. Once a project receives full funding, SciFlies sends the money directly to the Foundation account specified by the participating university/non profit/for profit research organization.

Why doesn't my donation go directly and immediately to the researcher?

SciFlies simply holds the donation until the project has raised all the funds needed, as you can’t start research with only partial funding. Also, this ensures a project has the funding needed to complete the research, so your money is used to its full potential. Once full funding is achieved, SciFlies will send the full amount to the institution conducting the research. Keep in mind too that projects up for funding are small and specific enough that it won’t take long to reach the funding goal, and you’ll be notified when it does. You’ll also receive periodic updates on how the research is going.

Who benefits from SciFlies and how?

Researchers:

• • • Micro donations will make hundreds of research projects possible, projects that would otherwise have to wait for funding or not be funded at all.
    • Research projects that are limited in time and scope and for which small dollars are required, will be made possible through SciFlies funding.
    • Researchers will gain more visibility, connect with a wider audience of donors and enhance public knowledge of their work.
    • Funds from SciFlies donors can speed the progress of investigation and lead to faster scientific breakthroughs. Institutions:
    • Raise the national status of participating institutions or organizations to a higher level.
    • Elevate the reputation of the university/institution or business for embracing innovative funding models.
    • Enhance exploratory research and development, leading to greater discovery, more publications and increased intellectual property and patent production. Donors:
    • The general public has an easy and cost-effective way to advance scientific research that personally appeals to them. People can be more engaged with ground-breaking research, by learning about and funding a scientist and his/her work.
    • 100% of each donation goes to the research institution.
    • People can get connected to and build their own personal portfolio of scientific research projects.