# META-036: Fund Futarchy Applications Research — Robin Hanson at George Mason University

**Proposed:** 2026-03-21  
**Status:** Active (50% likelihood)  
**Amount:** $80,007 USDC  
**Duration:** 6 months  
**Category:** Academic research grant

## Summary

MetaDAO proposal to fund the first rigorous experimental validation of futarchy decision-market governance at George Mason University, led by Dr. Robin Hanson (inventor of futarchy) and co-investigator Dr. Daniel Houser.

## Scope

- 500 student participants ($50 each) in controlled decision-making experiments
- IRB-reviewed experimental protocols
- Graduate research assistant for full academic year + summer
- First systematic experimental evidence on information-aggregation efficiency of futarchy governance mechanisms

## Budget Breakdown

- Hanson summer salary: ~$30,000
- Houser co-investigator: ~$6,000
- Graduate research assistant: ~$19,000
- Participant payments: $25,000
- **Total:** $80,007 USDC

## Disbursement Structure

50/50 split:
1. 50% on execution
2. 50% on interim report delivery

## Market Data (2026-03-21)

- **Likelihood:** 50%
- **Volume:** $42,160
- **Pass token:** $3.4590 (+0.52%)
- **Fail token:** $3.3242 (-3.40%)
- **Time remaining:** ~2 days

## Significance

This represents the first academic research proposal to experimentally validate futarchy mechanisms in controlled settings. The engagement brings futarchy's inventor back to formally study the production implementations that have emerged since his original theoretical work.

The 50% market likelihood suggests uncertainty about either:
1. The value of academic validation versus continued production iteration
2. Treasury allocation priorities at this stage of MetaDAO development
3. Confidence in research deliverables justifying the cost

## Proposers

- m3taversal
- metanallok

## References

- Proposal URL: https://www.metadao.fi/projects/metadao/proposal/Dt6QxTtaPz87oEK4m95ztP36wZCXA9LGLrJf1sDYAwxi
- Tweet: @MetaDAOProject, 2026-03-21