Rent-a-crowd? Crowdfunding academic research

Authors

  • Rebecca English Queensland University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v19i1.4818

Keywords:

crowdfunding, research funding, crowdsourcing, home education

Abstract

This paper examines the use of crowdfunding platforms to fund academic research. Looking specifically at the use of a Pozible campaign to raise funds for a small pilot research study into home education in Australia, the paper reports on the success and problems of using the platform. It also examines the crowdsourcing of literature searching as part of the package. The paper looks at the realities of using this type of platform to gain start-up funding for a project and argues that families and friends are likely to be the biggest supporters. The finding that family and friends are likely to be the highest supporters supports similar work in the arts communities that are traditionally served by crowdfunding platforms. The paper argues that, with exceptions, these platforms can be a source of income in times where academics are finding it increasingly difficult to source government funding for projects.

Author Biography

Rebecca English, Queensland University of Technology

Lecturer
School of curriculum
Faculty of Education
Queensland University of Technology
Victoria Park Road
KELVIN GROVE  QUEENSLAND  AUSTRALIA

Downloads

Published

2013-12-21

How to Cite

English, R. (2013). Rent-a-crowd? Crowdfunding academic research. First Monday, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v19i1.4818