Research Document
The NVO987 Decentralized Research Infrastructure paper presents the concept and architecture of a modular research system built on the open web, integrating decentralized identity, semantic knowledge representation and machine-readable research environments into a unified digital infrastructure.
Overview
The NVO987 domain infrastructure is an integrated, modular research framework that unites decentralized identity, knowledge representation, and machine-processable research environments. The system aims to implement a unified architecture on the open web, where identity, data provenance, scholarly publication, and automated knowledge processing function as a connected, interoperable ecosystem.
Unlike a traditional website, NVO987 is a distributed infrastructure composed of several specialized nodes. Each subdomain performs a defined role within the architecture, ensuring the system's transparency, interoperability, and scalability. The subdomains operate across the following main areas: identity management, knowledge representation, research workflow support, and the public dissemination of scholarly and cultural content.
The system is designed to allow the research process to be represented not only through final publications but as part of a continuously expanding, machine-readable knowledge graph. Publications, datasets, experiments, and conceptual models are interconnected, making the network an integrated documentation and publication ecosystem, which simultaneously supports the transparency of scientific processes and the structured processing of research data.
The root domain, nvo987.us, serves as the structural and conceptual entry point to the entire infrastructure. It provides an overview of the network's architecture, presents the main nodes, and acts as a navigation layer toward identity verification, research, and knowledge-graph-based services. In this way, the root domain is not merely a homepage, but a platform that conveys the system's interpretative framework and operational logic.
The NVO987 infrastructure thus constitutes a fully operational research ecosystem, adhering to the principles of decentralized identity and open science. It ensures data integrity, traceability of publications, and transparency in research processes. Each subsystem — identity, knowledge archive, laboratory module, publication platform, and social interfaces — is closely interconnected, creating a coherent, accessible, and sustainable research infrastructure.
Standard and Technical Documentation
The technical description of the decentralized identity architecture and the related interpretation of the standard are available on a separate documentation page.
The web3.nvo987.us page presents an overview of the decentralized identity infrastructure, the operational model of the DID architecture, as well as the system’s implementation framework.
The documentation is based on the Decentralized Identifiers (DID) v1.1 standard defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Technical documentation and architecture:
Official W3C specification:
https://www.w3.org/TR/did-1.1/
Download / open local copy:
Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.1
Technical Data Representation
Identifiers are expressed as URI values and resolved into structured JSON documents.
Web2 and Web3 Infrastructure
The NVO987 research infrastructure operates through a hybrid web architecture that connects both the traditional Web2 internet environment and the decentralized Web3 technological ecosystem.
The Web2 layer provides a stable and widely accessible publication infrastructure, including research documents, knowledge archives, and the conventional web accessibility of structured research materials.
The Web3 layer integrates decentralized identity and alternative access mechanisms into the system, such as the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) based domain infrastructure.
This dual architecture allows the research environment to remain compatible with existing web infrastructures while also connecting to the evolving technological ecosystem of the decentralized web.
The project is also accessible through an ENS gateway:
Decentralized Identity Infrastructure
The identity layer of the NVO987 infrastructure operates based on the decentralized identifier
did:web:identity.nvo987.us. This identifier provides a cryptographically verifiable
root for identity authentication, management of public keys, storage of signed documents,
and publication of machine-readable identity metadata.
The identity.nvo987.us subdomain provides the services required for identity verification, hosts identity documents, public key directories, and machine-readable metadata describing the broader research infrastructure. Through this mechanism, the identity node acts as a trust anchor for other services within the network, ensuring that all components reference a consistent and verified identity.
Identity services and verification endpoints are available at identity.nvo987.us. This location provides detailed documentation of identity records and the verification mechanisms in place.
The complete decentralized identity document, which includes cryptographic keys, verification methods, and associated service endpoints, can be accessed at: https://identity.nvo987.us/.well-known/did.json .
This architecture complies with the latest decentralized identity and verifiable credentials standards, allowing independent systems, agents, and knowledge graphs to reference a consistent identity root. The integrated DID structure ensures that any module within the NVO987 infrastructure – whether research, knowledge archival, or social services – relies on a unified, cryptographically verifiable identity.
This implementation is based on the W3C Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.1 specification, which defines the core data model, resolution mechanisms, and interoperability principles of decentralized identity systems. The official specification is available here: W3C – Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.1 .
Verifiable Credentials Infrastructure
The NVO987 infrastructure supports the publication of verifiable
credentials linked to the decentralized identity
did:web:identity.nvo987.us.
These credentials provide cryptographically signed statements
that can be independently verified by external systems.
Verifiable credentials allow identity attributes, research affiliations, and infrastructure related information to be represented as machine-readable and cryptographically verifiable records.
The credential metadata endpoint is published through the identity infrastructure and is accessible as a structured JSON-LD resource.
https://identity.nvo987.us/machine/vc.jsonld
This mechanism enables interoperability with decentralized identity systems, automated verification services, and machine-processable research environments.
Fediverse Communication Layer
The NVO987 research infrastructure also maintains a presence across the decentralized social web known as the Fediverse. This communication layer connects the project to distributed social platforms based on the ActivityPub protocol, enabling open interaction, publication of updates, and the dissemination of research related content across federated networks.
Unlike centralized social media platforms, the Fediverse operates through a network of interoperable servers that communicate with each other while remaining independent. This model aligns with the decentralized principles of the NVO987 research infrastructure.
The fediverse.nvo987.us domain provides access to the project's profiles across several federated platforms used for publishing visual work, research notes, and project updates.
Ethereum Name Service Identity
The NVO987 infrastructure is also connected to the decentralized Ethereum Name Service (ENS), which provides a human-readable blockchain identity layer.
The ENS domain nvo987.eth resolves to the project's public Ethereum address and links the identity to additional metadata records including profile information, avatar image, and associated accounts.
ENS functions as a Web3 naming system comparable to the DNS of the traditional web, enabling decentralized applications, wallets, and blockchain services to reference a persistent identity record.
The ENS identity can be accessed through the official ENS manager interface or via public gateway services.
Cryptographic Timestamp Infrastructure
The NVO987 research infrastructure also applies a cryptographic timestamp system to verify the integrity of research documents and publications. The system uses OpenTimestamps-based proof files that demonstrate that a specific document already existed at a particular point in time.
The timestamp proofs can also be distributed through a BitTorrent-based peer-to-peer network, ensuring that the cryptographic proofs remain publicly accessible and verifiable over the long term.
This approach enables independent timestamp verification of research document versions and allows the decentralized validation of publication integrity.
The timestamp infrastructure is accessible through the following domain:
Research Laboratory
Experimental research activities take place within the laboratory node at lab.nvo987.us. This environment functions as the experimental space of the NVO987 research infrastructure, where research documentation, notes, analyses, and experimental projects are published.
The purpose of the laboratory is to provide a flexible research environment that enables the development and documentation of investigations related to visual culture, color theory, perception studies, and artificial intelligence–based image generation.
Within the laboratory environment, research does not appear in the form of static publications, but as a continuously expanding system of notes, analyses, and experimental materials that reflect different stages of the research process.
The laboratory node forms part of the NVO987 decentralized research network, in which identity, knowledge representation, and research documentation are interconnected through a unified digital infrastructure.
While the identity node provides stable authentication and reference functions through the did:web:identity.nvo987.us identifier, the laboratory environment is intentionally experimental and may evolve continuously as the research develops.
Knowledge Domain
The NVO987 Knowledge Domain is a structured research infrastructure that functions as a publication and archival environment for theoretical documents, analytical materials, and conceptual frameworks associated with the system.
The primary purpose of the domain is to provide a stable and long-term sustainable publication layer where research materials are available in structured, versioned, and machine-readable formats.
Unlike conventional web presentation sites, this infrastructure is specifically designed to support semantic data structures, knowledge-graph based processing, and interoperability with computational analysis systems.
The architecture allows the research corpus to remain accessible in a consistent structure that is suitable for long-term citation and independent from technological change.
The knowledge infrastructure is accessible at the following address:
Publications, Art, and Cultural Studies
The art.nvo987.us subdomain serves as the central platform for the project's publications, art historical analyses, and cultural content. On this platform, long-form studies, research texts, visual and cultural analyses, as well as critical reflections are available, addressing various artistic, cultural, and theoretical topics.
The publications and studies provide a narrative framework for the technical infrastructure and present the conceptual starting points behind decentralized identity systems, knowledge graphs, and machine-readable research environments. The platform also allows for the publication of art historical and cultural reflections, while providing structured access to archival and critical materials.
The full publication archive is accessible at art.nvo987.us, and an RSS feed is available at rss.nvo987.us, supporting automated aggregation and archival.
Scholarly and Professional Identifiers
The identity infrastructure also links to external scholarly identifier systems used to maintain persistent academic references and cross-platform identity records.
These include international researcher identification registries, bibliographic authority identifiers, and structured knowledge bases. By connecting these systems, the infrastructure allows external knowledge networks to reference the identity associated with the NVO987 research environment.
These identifiers provide long-term reference points across academic and knowledge infrastructures.
Social Network
The social.nvo987.us subdomain functions as the central social communication node of the NVO987 network. This interface provides a unified access point to the public communication channels through which the project shares news, ideas, and research-related updates.
The platform operates as an interconnected social interface where the project's presence across different online communication environments can be accessed through a single, structured entry point. In this way, visitors can reach the project's social presence through a central domain rather than through separate profiles.
This node connects the research infrastructure with the broader online environment, enabling transparent communication with the public while ensuring a consistent digital identity across different platforms.
Through this interface, visitors can follow project announcements, research updates, as well as reflections and notes related to the ongoing development of the research and the digital infrastructure.
The social node therefore functions as the communication layer of the network, creating a connection between the research infrastructure and public discourse while providing a clear and unified access point to the project's social presence.
NVO987 – Culture Visuelle Moderne et Contemporaine
The NVO987 – Culture Visuelle Moderne et Contemporaine is a Paris-based cultural and research association focused on modern and contemporary visual culture, artistic practices, and cultural studies. The association is an integral part of the NVO987 infrastructure, supporting the integration of the project ecosystem and linking the research, artistic, and community subdomains within a transparent networked system.
The association's main objective is to develop, document, and publicly present cultural, artistic, and research projects, with particular attention to interdisciplinary, experimental, and theoretical approaches. Its programs integrate creative practice, academic research, and theoretical reflection, promoting a deeper understanding of visual culture and the development of contemporary artistic discourse.
The association organizes professional meetings, workshops, and exhibitions, and produces publications in the form of critical essays, research documents, and archives accessible to the scientific community and cultural actors. Its activities foster international collaborations, collective projects, and interdisciplinary initiatives in the field of artistic research and cultural studies.
NVO987 – Culture Visuelle Moderne et Contemporaine thus contributes to the transparency, integration, and connectivity of the NVO987 project ecosystem, strengthening the relationships between art, research, and community activities.
Situation au répertoire SIRENE
English
Official registration record of the association in the French SIRENE national business registry.
Download the SIRENE registration document (PDF)
Français
Document officiel attestant de l’enregistrement de l’association dans le répertoire national SIRENE.
Human Rights Reference
English
The ethical framework of the NVO987 research infrastructure recognizes the fundamental principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948.
This document represents one of the central international references for the protection of human dignity, freedom of expression, cultural participation, and the development of knowledge and education.
For reference and educational purposes the English version of the document is available below.
Download the English PDF version
Français
Le cadre éthique de l’infrastructure de recherche NVO987 reconnaît les principes fondamentaux exprimés dans la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme adoptée par l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies le 10 décembre 1948.
Ce document constitue l’une des principales références internationales pour la protection de la dignité humaine, de la liberté d’expression, de la participation culturelle ainsi que du développement du savoir et de l’éducation.
Pour référence et usage éducatif, la version française du document est disponible ci-dessous.
Open Science Reference
English
The ethical framework of the NVO987 research infrastructure recognizes the principles of open science expressed in the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science adopted in 2021.
This international framework promotes open access to scientific knowledge, transparency in research processes, and the sharing of data, publications, and educational resources for the benefit of the global community.
Open science supports collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and cultures, enabling broader participation in knowledge creation and facilitating the advancement of science and education worldwide.
For reference and educational purposes the English version of the document is available below.
Download the English PDF version
Français
Le cadre éthique de l’infrastructure de recherche NVO987 reconnaît les principes de la science ouverte tels qu’exprimés dans la Recommandation de l’UNESCO sur la science ouverte adoptée en 2021.
Ce cadre international promeut l’accès libre aux connaissances scientifiques, la transparence des processus de recherche ainsi que le partage des données, des publications et des ressources éducatives au bénéfice de la communauté mondiale.
La science ouverte favorise la collaboration entre disciplines, institutions et cultures, permettant une participation plus large à la création du savoir et facilitant l’avancement de la science et de l’éducation à l’échelle mondiale.
Pour référence et usage éducatif, la version française du document est disponible ci-dessous.
Cultural Diversity Reference
The NVO987 research infrastructure recognizes the principles of cultural diversity as expressed in the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity adopted in 2001.
This declaration emphasizes the importance of cultural plurality, intercultural dialogue, and the preservation of cultural heritage as essential elements of sustainable development and knowledge sharing.
For reference and educational purposes the multilingual PDF version of the declaration is available below.
Science and Scientific Researchers Reference
English
The ethical and institutional framework of the NVO987 research infrastructure recognizes the principles expressed in the UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers.
This international recommendation establishes standards concerning the rights and responsibilities of researchers, the conditions necessary for scientific activity, and the importance of academic freedom, integrity, and international cooperation in research.
It emphasizes that scientific progress should contribute to the advancement of knowledge, education, culture, and the well-being of humanity.
For reference and educational purposes, the English version of the document is available below.
Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers (PDF)
Download the English PDF version
Français
Le cadre éthique et institutionnel de l’infrastructure de recherche NVO987 reconnaît les principes exprimés dans la Recommandation de l’UNESCO concernant la science et les chercheurs scientifiques.
Cette recommandation internationale établit des normes relatives aux droits et aux responsabilités des chercheurs, aux conditions nécessaires à l’activité scientifique, ainsi qu’à l’importance de la liberté académique, de l’intégrité scientifique et de la coopération internationale.
Elle souligne que le progrès scientifique doit contribuer à l’avancement des connaissances, de l’éducation, de la culture et au bien-être de l’humanité.
Pour référence et usage éducatif, la version française du document est disponible ci-dessous.
Recommandation concernant la science et les chercheurs scientifiques (PDF)
Research Integrity Principles
The research activities associated with the NVO987 infrastructure follow internationally recognized principles of scientific integrity.
Download the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity (PDF)
Research Philosophy
The design of the NVO987 infrastructure is based on several fundamental principles: openness, decentralized operation, verifiable digital identity, and machine-processable knowledge structures.
The system is not built on centralized platforms, but instead examines how independent web nodes can cooperate using open standards. These standards include decentralized identifiers (DID), linked data, and semantic web technologies.
The objective of the project is to demonstrate how research identity, data, and publications can be organized within unified, interoperable web structures. This approach explores how knowledge and research infrastructures may function in the future within a decentralized digital environment.
Developed Tools and Experimental Modules
As part of the NVO987 infrastructure, several lightweight, browser-based tools have been developed to support the practical exploration of the decentralized web, data processing, and machine-readable structures.
These tools are not centralized services, but independently operating, client-side applications that do not collect data, do not perform backend processing, and work exclusively with publicly available information.
Available Tools
-
DID Resolver (web-based tool)
Resolution and structural analysis of decentralized identifiers (DID) with support for multiple methods (did:web, did:key, did:plc).
did.nvo987.us -
IPFS CID + Text Bundle Tool
Packaging text and content into IPFS-compatible bundles (CID generation, downloadable ZIP format).
ipfs.nvo987.us
cid.nvo987.us -
SHA-256 Generator
Local cryptographic hash generation for verifying the integrity of files and text.
sha256.nvo987.us
Functional Characteristics
- client-side operation (no data upload)
- real-time processing in the browser
- approach based on open web standards
- experimental and demonstrative implementations
The purpose of these tools is not full validation or authentication, but to support the interpretation and testing of structures, formats, and decentralized technologies in a transparent, minimalist environment.
All processing is performed locally in the user's browser, without external data collection or logging.
Infrastructure Status
The NVO987 domain network is a continuously evolving research infrastructure. Some of its components are stable and designed for long-term operation, while other parts remain experimental, as the exploration of new architectural solutions and technical possibilities is still ongoing.
Identity services, structured metadata, as well as machine-processable knowledge graph datasets continue to expand and evolve in parallel with the development of the research project.
Researchers, developers, and interested readers are welcome to explore the different nodes of the infrastructure and follow the ongoing development of the project through the available publications and public channels.
Contact
Nicholas Van-Orton
Inquiries related to the NVO987 research infrastructure and the activities of the NVO987 cultural association can be sent to the following email addresses:
These addresses serve as the primary communication channels for research collaboration, publications, technical questions, or institutional inquiries.