Topic overview
In brief
- UCLA researchers have created an OnlyFans account to fund their marmot research program.
- The initiative has raised at least $2,800 in tips and aims to make science more accessible.
- This creative funding approach highlights the challenges researchers face in securing financial support.
Summary
In a unique approach to funding, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have turned to the adult content platform OnlyFans to support their marmot research program. This decision comes after the program faced a lack of federal funding, as officials from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) determined that the lab had already collected sufficient long-term data to address their research questions. For over a decade, the lab had received federal funding, but the denial of a new proposal left the researchers seeking alternative means to finance their important work.
The UCLA marmot research team, led by Dr. Daniel Blumstein, has created an account called “OnlyMarms,” which is free to subscribe to and features images and videos of marmots in their natural habitat. The content is designed to be G-rated, with a focus on showcasing the playful and candid moments of these furry rodents rather than any adult themes. Dr. Blumstein emphasized that the initiative aims to make science more accessible and engaging for the public, particularly for those who may not have previously shown interest in wildlife research.