Ethereum Foundation Restructures R&D, Forms New Protocol Unit

The Ethereum Foundation has restructured its Research and Development division, forming a new unit called “Protocol,” aiming to advance core areas like scaling. This reorganization was announced in early October 2023 by the leadership team including Hsiao-Wei Weng.

This event holds significance due to its strategic focus on protocol improvements within the Ethereum network, potentially influencing ETH and Layer 2 ecosystems.

The Ethereum Foundation has made significant changes to its Research and Development division by establishing a new “Protocol” unit. This move involves central leadership figures such as Hsiao-Wei Weng and is designed to streamline core protocol development efforts.

Key figures such as Tim Beiko, Alex Stokes, and Barnabé Monnot are acknowledged for their roles in restructuring efforts. The “Protocol” team now focuses on scaling solutions, including enhancements to blobspace and improving user experience on the Ethereum network.

The immediate effect of this restructuring may impact how the Ethereum network handles protocol development and upgrades. These changes are expected to lead to more efficient network responses and improvements in transaction processing.

Financially, the focus is not on reducing funds but on reallocating existing resources. This redirection of priorities aims to address essential protocol components such as scaling, which could affect ETH’s performance in the long run.

“I hope the new structure will encourage staff to focus and drive key initiatives forward.”
— Hsiao-Wei Weng, Co-Executive Director, Ethereum Foundation

Observers anticipate that the new structure may introduce more disciplined protocol advancements. Scaling innovations are particularly relevant in enhancing Ethereum’s competitiveness against other blockchains. Further updates are awaited from the Foundation as the initiatives begin to roll out.