# 🌟 Exciting Update on the [NEAR Certified Researcher Course](https://near.social/research-collective.near/widget/NCR.v1)! 🌟 **Hello, community!** 🚀 As we venture towards Week 10 of our Certified Researcher Course, we're thrilled to share a glimpse into what the NEAR Research Collective truly stands for and the remarkable experiences our researchers are having! 🎓🔍 📚 Our journey has been a fascinating exploration into **blockchain, Web3, and the NEAR Protocol**. From data retrieval techniques to specialized blockchain topics like **DeFi, NFTs, and gaming applications**, we've been immersed in a world of groundbreaking knowledge. 💡💻 *At the core of the NEAR Research Collective is a commitment to fostering an active, interdisciplinary research community.* *The NEAR Research Collective DAO as a thriving space for innovation, collaboration, and significant contributions to the NEAR ecosystem and the broader Web3 ecosystem. 🌐🤝* ## ✨ What Defines Us? ✨ **Exploring Web3 Topics:** Our engaging weekly lectures delve into cutting-edge blockchain and decentralized technology, keeping our researchers at the forefront of these rapidly evolving fields. **Connecting with Experts:** Throughout the course, we've had the privilege of learning from industry-leading guest lecturers, including **@pironi.near, @jeffgold.near, @fiftycent.near, @alan777.near, @bheegem.near, and @microchipgnu.near**. Their insights have been invaluable in shaping our understanding! **Earning While You Learn:** Our researchers have been presented with various opportunities to earn through engaging in different blockchain initiatives—a fantastic way to apply newfound knowledge in practical scenarios. A heartfelt thank you to our lead instructor, @Chloe.near, whose dedication and guidance have been instrumental in our learning journey. Your impact is immeasurable! 🌟 📜 **[Proposal](https://gov.near.org/t/proposal-near-research-collective-dao-ndc-budget-subcategory-code-hom-004p-1-1-1-ecosystem/36912?u=chloe) Update:** We've submitted a proposal and eagerly await the House of Merit [vote](https://near.org/astraplusplus.ndctools.near/widget/home?page=dao&tab=proposals&daoId=congress-hom-v1.ndc-gwg.near&proposalId=16). Stay tuned for more updates on this front! 🗳️ Our researchers' enthusiasm and commitment continue to drive the success of this program. Let's forge ahead, aiming for **impactful contributions to the NEAR ecosystem!** 🚀🔍 *Thank you all for being an integral part of this extraordinary journey. Together, let's continue learning, growing, and making waves in the captivating world of blockchain research! 🌟💬*