USF prof brings micro-finance to science

Posted Nov 30, 2011 by Lindsay Peterson

Updated Nov 30, 2011 at 05:20 PM

You’ve heard about adopt-a-road and adopt-a-pet programs.

Well, now you can adopt a scientific research project.

USF marine scientist, David Fries, has created a website called SciFlies.org where you can make donations to a selection of projects.

One study on the site looks at the brain functions of compulsive hoarders. Another focuses on ancient engineering techniques. Yet another asks whether red grouper are the prairie dogs of Florida Bay.

You can give $10, $20, whatever amount you want. Pledges are deposited into an account for each project. The donor, in return, receives regular updates about the research.

The idea is to build a community of supporters for scientists and their projects, says Fries, who holds the title of USF’s first Entrepreneur in Residence.

If you’re concerned about the legitimacy of the projects on the site, they’ve been vetted by a panel of scientists, through the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Also, your donations are tax deductible.

Go here to read more about SciFlies.org