UCLA scientists launch G-rated OnlyFans page to fund marmot study
A UCLA research team has created a non-sexual OnlyFans account featuring marmot footage to raise money after federal funding was denied.
After the National Science Foundation concluded the lab had sufficient long-term data and rejected a fresh proposal, UCLA ecologists sought alternative financing for their marmot research. They launched an OnlyFans account called "OnlyMarms," which deliberately avoids any sexual content and instead offers G-rated clips of marmots captured on camera traps. Professor Daniel Blumstein handled the account setup, even navigating a verification hiccup involving his driver’s license.
To date, the page has attracted modest support, raising about $2,800 in tips from subscribers. Graduate student Katie Adler explained that the initiative is intended to broaden public interest in ecological research, while student Emily Renkey noted it highlights the lengths scientists sometimes must go to secure funding.
Why it matters
The story shows how dwindling public research funds push scientists to use unconventional platforms to sustain their work.
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