This could yield a great outcome, not only scientifically but also in terms of introducing a way to use the chain to record systematically and transparently how a scientific project evolves.

The idea is very interesting, it's as you mentioned though about the participation and time. Especially if they have no idea about Hive. But definitely worth a shot.

Maybe you can kick it off as a tag or few tags and see the participation from there?

I am wondering how doing so would be perceived…

On Hive? Hivers are very welcoming for all new ideas I think, so there's no issue there. From outside Hive? I don't see how here would differ from any other stage or platform, be it forums or blogs or what have you. The immutability is a big plus too.