Summary
The NEAR Research Collective (NRC) is requesting funding of $5,000, with a significant focus this month on empowering the NEAR Certified Researcher (NCR) course and specifically getting the second cohort up and running. Following the successful conclusion of the first set of classes and the submission of final projects, we are enthusiastically preparing for an even more impactful second run slated to begin late February. This funding is essential not only for sustaining our operations but also for ensuring the smooth launch and execution of the second cohort. It will provide meaningful earning opportunities for our students, and cover the compensation for the exceptional guest lecturers who impart their expertise to our community. This support will not only catalyze the growth of our educational initiatives but will also contribute significantly to the ongoing development of NEAR’s vibrant ecosystem.
Links
Achievements / Objectives
Although the NRC is relatively new, we have achieved significant milestones:
- Enlisted six guest lecturers for the first 12-week NCR course.
- Engaged a dedicated group of 10 students actively participating in the course, completing assignments, and on track to submit their final projects.
- Collaborated with Meta Pool DAO to produce several articles by our researchers.
- Directed researchers to the Technical Speakers Program (TSP).
Our objectives for February are:
- Find and hire a lead instructor for the second cohort.
- Issue certification NFTs for the first cohort.
- Ensure all preparations for the second cohort are completed and initiate the course towards the end of the month.
Objectives over Q1 - early Q2 include:
- Bringing on 7 or more guest lecturers for the next iteration of the course.
- Having 12 or more students complete the course.
- Expanding the NRC researcher role to over 100 members.
Student activity post-course completion (no exact targets currently):
- Staying active in the NEAR ecosystem for 6 months after the course, evidenced by on-chain activity.
- Publishing research findings in the year following certification.
- A high percentage of alumni remaining active in the NEAR Research Collective.
Budget
| Expense Category | Amount | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Lecturers | $1,500 | $250 per guest lecturer x 6. |
| Earning Opportunities | $1,000 | Bounties for NCR students for their studies, including retroactive compensations. |
| Operation | $1,000 | Support for NRC Team / Council. |
| Course Set-up Costs | $1,500 | Estimated costs for course preparation (including provisional allocations for development work, marketing, lead instructor, etc.). Specifics to be detailed upon finalization. |
| TOTAL: | $5,000 | Includes $2,500 for retroactive compensation. $1,500 for guest lecturers and $1000 for student earning opportunities. |
Guest Lecturers
pironi.near - Methods for Blockchain Data Retrieval
jeffgold.near - Data Transformation and Visualization Techniques
fiftycent.near - Advanced Data Analysis Techniques
alan777.near - Governance in Blockchain
bheegem.near - DeFi
microchipgnu.near - Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
Council Members
xvii.near
hannah17.near
earnestetim.near
For more information about the NRC, including long-term goals and objectives, check out our Charter.
We appreciate your consideration and look forward to the opportunity to continue advancing the NEAR ecosystem together.