Summary
The NEAR Research Collective (NRC) is requesting funding of $5,000, with this month’s main focus on empowering the NEAR Certified Researcher (NCR) course. Given the successful conclusion of the first set of classes and final projects due on Jan 6th, we’re gearing up for an even more impactful second run starting in February. This funding will play a pivotal role in sustaining our operations, offering meaningful earning opportunities for our dedicated students and fulfilling our commitment to compensate the exceptional guest lecturers who have generously shared their expertise with our community. This support will not only drive the growth of our educational initiatives but also contribute to the ongoing development of NEAR’s vibrant ecosystem.
Links
Achievements / Objectives
Although the NRC is relatively new, we have achieved some significant milestones:
- We have enlisted the expertise of six guest lecturers for the first run of the 12-week NCR course.
- We have a dedicated group of 10 students actively participating in the course, diligently completing homework assignments and on track to submitting their final projects.
- Collaborating with Meta Pool DAO, we have produced several articles authored by our researchers.
- We continue to direct researchers to the Technical Speakers Program (TSP).
Our objectives for the month of January are as follows:
- Ensure at least 10 students submit their final assignments by Jan 6th.
- Establish a streamlined registration process for the next iteration of the course, with a target of 10+ registrants.
- Secure commitments from at least 2 guest lecturers for the upcoming cycle of the course.
Objectives over Q1 - early Q2 include:
- Bring on 7 or more guest lecturers for the next iteration of the course.
- Have 12 or more students complete the course.
- Have over 100 members in the NRC researcher role.
Student activity after completing the course (no exact targets as of now):
- Remaining active in the NEAR ecosystem for 6 months following the completion of the course by on chain activity.
- Publishing a number of research findings in the year following certification.
- Maintaining percentage of alumni who remain active in the NEAR Research Collective (earning bounties, joining group calls, participating in polls, etc.).
Budget
| Expense Category | Amount | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Lecturers | $1,500 | $250 per guest lecturer x 6. |
| Earning Opportunities | $1,500 | Bounties for NCR students for their studies, including retroactive compensations. |
| Operation | $1,000 | Support for NRC Team / Council. |
| Course Set-up Costs | $1,000 | 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 $2,000 for retroactive compensation. $1,500 for guest lecturers and $500 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.