VitaLabs FAQ

Welcome to the VitaDAO funding FAQ. You can find answers to common questions about VitaLabs and the VitaLabs fellowship in the sections below. If you have further questions, feel free to connect with the VitaDAO Discord community for further guidance, or if you are ready to submit your funding application, please use the funding application form at the link below.

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Fellowship application

What is VitaLabs, and how does it relate to VitaDAO?

VitaLabs is VitaDAO's in-house network of interdisciplinary scientists focused on advancing longevity science. VitaLabs works under VitaDAO’s framework to conduct innovative research, with the goal of extending human healthspan and lifespan while empowering community ownership of intellectual property through Intellectual Property Tokens (IPTs).

How does VitaLabs differ from traditional academic research?

Traditional academic research often favors safe, incremental projects and established paradigms. In contrast, VitaLabs supports high-risk, transformative ideas, allowing scientists to pursue disruptive research without fear of career repercussions, and fosters open collaboration in a decentralized science (DeSci) ecosystem.

What's the best way to get involved and contribute to VitaLabs? Should I apply as a Fellow or as an advisor/mentor?

You can get involved by applying to the VitaLabs Fellowship Program if you want to lead innovative research projects. If you prefer to support projects without leading one, you can contribute as an advisor, mentor, or active community member. Your involvement depends on how you'd like to contribute to advancing longevity science

Is it okay to apply to the Fellowship Program if I'm not a PhD?

Yes, absolutely! The Fellowship Program is open to all passionate individuals, regardless of academic credentials. We value diverse backgrounds, so you don't need a PhD to apply.

What benefits do VitaLabs Fellows receive?

Accepted Fellows receive:
- A monthly stipend of $2,000 USD.
- Access to funding for experiments.
- A performance bonus in VITA tokens.
- Ownership stakes in any intellectual property generated.
- Support from VitaDAO’s extensive network.

What is the acceptance process for the Fellowship Program?

The process includes:
- Application Submission by December 25, 2024.
- Participating in the Ideation stage to share ideas and form teams.
- Submitting a Project Proposal.
- Engaging in the Quadratic Funding Round.
- Fellow Selection based on projects that secure funding through community support.

How does VitaLabs fund projects, and what is Quadratic Funding?

VitaLabs uses Quadratic Funding (QF), where community members allocate resources to projects they support using VITA tokens. This model ensures projects with broad community backing receive more funding, amplifying the impact of individual contributions and fostering inclusivity in the funding process.

What are the timeline and deadlines for the program?

Season 1 Key Dates:
- Applications Open: October 20, 2024
- Applications Close: December 25, 2024
- Project Submission Deadline: December 30, 2024
- Quadratic Funding Round: January 6
– January 15, 2025
- Projects Start Date: January 15, 2025
- Midterm Report: March 15, 2025
- Final Report: April 30, 2025

How will the day-to-day of a Fellow look like?

Fellows will develop and refine research ideas, collaborate with team members, design and coordinate experiments (often with CROs), engage with the community, and report progress. They have autonomy and flexibility, supported by the VitaLabs Core Team and resources.

Will experiments be done in my lab or in CROs?

All research is expected to be conducted outside and independent of Fellows’ affiliated institutes. Experiments are typically carried out through Contract Research Organizations (CROs). Computational work may be done using personal resources or open-source tools.

Why is VitaLabs encouraging team formation based on complementary and common interests?

Forming teams with complementary skills and shared interests enhances creativity, innovation, and project success. It allows for diverse perspectives, skill synergy, and a collaborative environment—vital for groundbreaking research.

Is there still time to apply to become a Fellow, and how do I apply?

Yes, there's still time! Applications are open until December 25, 2024. You can apply by visiting our Fellowship Application Page [insert link]. We encourage passionate individuals to apply and join us in advancing longevity research.

What happens if a VitaLabs project requires additional funding?

Projects that achieve promising results can enter the IPT and Crowdfunding stage. Here, teams present their findings and plans to the VitaDAO community, which then votes on whether to approve additional funding via an IPT launch, allowing the community to further support impactful projects.

How can I participate in VitaLabs as a community member?

Community members can participate by supporting projects through Quadratic Funding, joining or forming teams, contributing expertise, and helping identify and recruit Fellows. VitaDAO also offers VITA token rewards for active involvement and community-driven contributions.

Can I use the research funding in my own lab?

Research funded by VitaLabs is expected to be conducted independently of Fellows' affiliated institutes to maintain transparency and alignment with VitaDAO’s open science principles. Some aspects, like computational work, might be possible in affiliated labs, but major experiments should be external (CROs) to ensure independence.

What happens to my project after the end of the fellowship season?

Projects that show promising results at the end of the Season can proceed to additional stages, including deeper research, Intellectual Property Token (IPT) creation, and crowdfunding. Projects with strong commercialization potential may advance to spin-out creation, supported by VitaDAO's network and resources, to bring impactful longevity innovations to market.

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VitaLabs FAQ