Community Achievements in 2016

We're grateful for the volunteers and scientists who worked with us this year to launch two new research efforts, make progress on existing projects, and spread the word about volunteer computing to new audiences. Here are some of the highlights of 2016, which wouldn't be possible without each of you.

Two new research projects, two awards, several conferences...and volunteers around the globe whose support made all of this progress possible. Because of you, 2016 was a great year for World Community Grid! Below are a few of this year's highlights.

Helping Stop a Global Killer

Tuberculosis is one of the world's deadliest disease, killing approximately 1.5 million people every year. In March, researchers at The University of Nottingham launched Help Stop TB on World Community Grid to study the molecular structure of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, so that scientists can learn how to overcome it.

Reaching a New Audience

Thanks to votes from volunteers and supporters, an influential audience at South by Southwest (SXSW) learned how World Community Grid volunteers have supported humanitarian research projects since 2004, and heard how these volunteers helped scientists make a breakthrough that could bring clean water to millions. Listen to audio of our full presentation, which was given in March, or read about our experience.

Researcher Francois Grey, who was part of the Computing for Clean Water project, and program manager Juan Hindo presented the results of the project at South by Southwest 2016.

Searching for Potential Treatments for Zika

The Zika virus began spreading rapidly through the Americas in 2015. In 2016, it continued moving north and was also reported in Asia. There is no effective treatment for Zika, no vaccine, and the virus as been linked to serious complications, including lifelong brain-related issues for infants whose mothers contract Zika while pregnant. In response to volunteer requests, we looked for a project to fight the virus, and in May, an international team of researchers launched the OpenZika project on World Community Grid to search through millions of chemical compounds for those that may become treatments.

Getting Inspired by Changemakers

Program manager Juan Hindo was invited to attend South by South Lawn 2016 at the White House in October. This first-time event brought together leaders in art, technology, innovation, and social change who are helping to improve the world. Read about Juan's experience and how it inspired us to re-ssue our call for research projects that address climate change.

(Click on the image to see an enlarged version)

Winning Awards

We appreciate awards because they recognize and raise awareness for the important work made possible by World Community Grid volunteers.

Thanks to votes from volunteers and supporters, we were honored to receive a People's Voice Webby Award in the Corporate and Social Responsiblity category. This award recognized our new online experience to help people learn about and join World Community Grid, which helped improve our sign-up rate.

We also received a D&AD Wood Pencil Impact Award, which was created by the advertising industry to recognize programs that have a societal impact that helps change the status quo.

Thank You

Twelve years, 27 projects, and (as of November) 3 billion research results later, we are very grateful to the volunteers all over the world who are supporting basic science by donating unused computing time. Thanks for making 2016 a year of new beginnings and continued progress. Stay tuned for exciting news in early 2017!