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The modern research ecosystem of online tools and communities is controlled by for-profit companies. But we think that researchers should be the priority - not the product. So, we're announcing Aster ID: not-for-profit Atmosphere account hosting for researchers.

What does that mean for you? Your Bluesky account is actually an ‘Atmosphere’ account. Atmosphere accounts can access dozens of different apps, but the data you enter into these apps is always owned by your account - not the app! Aster ID is like @eurosky.social's PDS, but for researchers.

We’re also working on apps of our own - including a hosting platform for personal websites that will finally make academic websites easy. Stay tuned for more - your Aster ID will be your personal webpage, too!

Aster is being built by a team of researchers around the world, stemming from the @atproto.science initiative. Legally and fiscally, we’re hosted by Dutch non-profit @modalfoundation.eurosky.social. Modal have been a tremendous help, and our shared goals and values are perfect for this project.

When can you get an Aster ID? We’re launching a closed alpha in two weeks at @scios.tech's IOSP workshop. After that, we’ll grow gradually in an invite-only phase, giving us time to grow sustainably and safely. You can subscribe to our blog to get updated on when that happens: