From Web2 to Web3: Building Open-Source Science with the $SciHub Community and Philosophy

This paper explores the transition from traditional Web2 scientific practices to decentralized Web3 systems, focusing on the pivotal role of Sci-Hub and the emergence of Decentralized Science (DeSci). It examines Sci-Hub's founding philosophy of breaking down barriers to knowledge access, its impact on the democratization of scientific research, and the controversies surrounding its legal and ethical standing. The DeSci movement, inspired by Sci-Hub, uses blockchain technology and decentralized governance to create open, inclusive, and collaborative scientific ecosystems. By addressing the limitations of traditional academic publishing, this study highlights the transformative potential of decentralization in supporting equitable access to scientific knowledge and argues for a shift towards a globally inclusive and transparent research system.