The Potential of Lateral: Coordinating Research to Solve Complex Problems

Lateral is a research tool that aims to help researchers coordinate and share information to solve complex problems. They offer a web app that allows users to find evidence from PDFs more quickly, and they are also developing a coordination graph tool that turns evidence gathering into a multiplayer exercise. The goal is to set and achieve common research goals efficiently. One potential pitfall is relying too heavily on search tools to scan PDFs instead of deeply engaging with the evidence. However, Lateral emphasizes that their tools are meant to give users more time to work on challenging problems, not to replace deep dives into research. Overall, Lateral's journey has taught them that understanding the incentives and organizational structures within research communities is crucial for creating effective tools. Martin Larson, CEO of Lateral, believes that DSA (Decentralized Science and Academic Research) community holds great potential in addressing the misaligned incentives in research. By combining AI capabilities with coordinated research efforts, significant progress can be made in areas like new medicines and technologies. The challenge now lies in translating theory into practice and implementing these new tools and approaches to research. The key is to avoid getting lost in theoretical discussions and focus on real-world application. Lateral believes that pluralistic approaches and decentralized governance can address challenges in the DSA community. By enabling multiple communities to coexist with different value mechanisms and providing efficient knowledge sharing, progress towards common research goals could be accelerated. Lateral recognizes the importance of critical thinking and human agency in research. Their tools aim to empower researchers to ask questions, challenge evidence, and ensure high-quality work. While automation can streamline certain research tasks, it's essential to retain the ability to understand and interrogate the evidence. Lateral acknowledges the need to strike a balance between automation and retaining human involvement in the research process. They emphasize the importance of understanding the organizational structure and incentive systems within research to create tools that truly enhance the researcher's experience. Throughout their journey, Lateral has found it challenging to balance the current needs of researchers with their vision for the future. They have learned that integrating new technologies requires understanding the motivations and nuances of the research process. While Lateral continues to build tools for the future, they recognize the value of current research practices and the importance of finding ways to convey their vision effectively. Martin Larson believes that now is an opportune moment for the DSA community to align with the productivity gains and new tools available, ultimately leading to impactful advancements in research.