Ethereum Foundation Restructures: Layoffs and R&D Overhaul Aim for Scalability and UX

The Ethereum Foundation has announced a significant restructuring of its research and development division, now rebranded as "Protocol." This overhaul includes staff layoffs and a renewed focus on scaling the base layer, expanding blobspace, and improving user experience, aiming for a more streamlined and effective approach to Ethereum's evolution.

Ethereum Foundation Undergoes Major Restructuring

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has initiated a significant internal reorganization, transforming its Protocol Research & Development (PR&D) team into a leaner, more focused unit simply named "Protocol." This strategic shift aims to streamline development efforts and address long-standing criticisms regarding the foundation's operational efficiency and strategic direction.

Key Takeaways

• The former Protocol Research & Development (PR&D) team has been rebranded as "Protocol.

• The restructuring includes an unspecified number of staff layoffs.

• The new "Protocol" team will concentrate on three core strategic goals:Scaling Ethereum's base layer (L1).Expanding blobspace for rollups and data availability.Improving the overall user experience (UX).

• This move is intended to make the organization more responsive and effective in deploying Ethereum's technology and values at a planetary scale.

Strategic Re-Alignment and Leadership

The restructuring follows a period of internal debate and leadership changes within the Ethereum Foundation. In January, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin announced adjustments to the EF's leadership model, emphasizing technical expertise and improved communication. This was followed by a broader structural adjustment in April, formalizing the division between board and executive functions with the appointment of Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz Stańczak as co-executive directors.

Dedicated leadership has been assigned to each of the new focus areas:

• L1 Scaling: Tim Beiko and Ansgar Dietrichs

• Blob Scaling: Alex Stokes and Francesco D'Amato

• User Experience: Barnabé Monnot and Josh Rudolf

Dankrad Feist, a prominent researcher known for "Danksharding," will serve as a strategic advisor across all tracks, providing high-level guidance.

Addressing Community Concerns

The reorganization is a direct response to community concerns about transparency, decision-making speed, and the clarity of technical priorities. The EF stated that these changes represent a departure from previous operating methods, but are considered essential for a more effective and responsive path forward. The foundation hopes that departing staff members will continue to contribute to the broader Ethereum ecosystem.

This strategic overhaul underscores the Ethereum Foundation's commitment to solidifying Ethereum's position as a leading blockchain platform, tackling technical and organizational challenges head-on to ensure its continued growth and innovation.

Sources

• Ethereum Foundation restructures, rebrands Protocol team, Cointelegraph.

• Ethereum Foundation Restructures R&D Division, Plans 'Rethink' on Design and Development, Decrypt.

• new strategy to tackle the challenges, The Cryptonomist.

• Ethereum Foundation Lays Off Staff Amid R&D Rebrand, Unchained Crypto.

• Ethereum Price Forecast June: Team Layoffs Boost 50% ETH Rally Case, FXEmpire.