Ethereum Foundation Restructures Protocol Team for Scaling Focus

The Ethereum Foundation has announced significant changes to its research and development team, laying off some members and restructuring its Protocol Research and Development division. The division has been rebranded as simply “Protocol” to focus more sharply on scaling and usability.

The Foundation described the restructuring as a shift toward a leaner, more focused team, aiming for a more responsive and effective development process. The changes are intended to support a new level of focus and collaboration as Ethereum enters what the Foundation calls “its best shot at deploying not only our technology, but our values, at planetary scale.”

To achieve this vision, the Foundation has aligned Protocol around three key priorities: scaling Layer 1, scaling blobs, and improving user experience (UX). Each area is now mapped to a strategic initiative and leadership team, ensuring greater accountability and resource focus.

The Foundation emphasized that the changes represent a departure from previous ways of working but are necessary for a more responsive and effective path forward. Protocol is now described as a more united and leaner organization with more focused teams.

As part of the restructuring, some members of the Protocol Research and Development team will not be continuing with the Ethereum Foundation. The Foundation encouraged the broader Ethereum community to hire those affected, expressing hope that these individuals will continue to contribute to the Ethereum ecosystem.

The leadership team for Protocol now includes Tim Beiko and Ansgar Dietrichs, who will focus on Layer 1 scaling. Alex Stokes and Francesco D’Amato will lead efforts on Layer 2 scaling, while Barnabé Monnot and Josh Rudolf will oversee improvements in user experience. Dankrad Feist will serve as a strategic advisor across all three areas.

The Foundation highlighted the importance of execution, noting that each goal is now mapped to a strategic initiative for Protocol. This shared workspace is designed to bring complementary talents together, fostering tighter collaboration and faster iteration.

As Ethereum’s technical roadmap grows more complex, the need for rapid iteration and tighter collaboration increases. The Foundation pointed out that transitioning research into prototypes and production requires more efficient feedback loops.

The Ethereum Foundation is now inviting new contributors to join Protocol, particularly for open roles such as a UX Lead and a Performance Engineering Lead. The Foundation concluded its announcement by encouraging collaboration, stating, “Let’s do it together. Let’s ship Protocol.”