Ethereum Foundation Restructures Team to Address Community Criticism

The Ethereum Foundation has announced a significant restructuring of its team, effective from June 3rd. This reorganization includes a partial reduction in staff and the renaming of the research department to the "Protocol" team. The move is a response to persistent community criticism regarding the Foundation’s management and strategic direction.

The newly formed Protocol team will concentrate on three critical areas: scaling the Ethereum network, advancing the blobspace extension to enhance data availability, and improving the user experience. These efforts are aimed at addressing concerns from industry experts who caution that overlooking essential technical issues could jeopardize Ethereum’s standing as a pioneering technology in the blockchain sector.

While the exact number of staff layoffs has not been disclosed, the Foundation has indicated that remaining teams will integrate valuable team members. This reorganization is designed to streamline upgrade processes, improve technical documentation, and increase transparency in research. Co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Weng expressed confidence in the changes, stating on social media that the new structure will drive key projects forward with greater efficiency.

The Protocol team will act as the central hub for Ethereum's core development efforts, with a focus on improving public visibility into upgrade timelines. This restructuring is part of a broader initiative to enhance scalability and user experience, ensuring that Ethereum remains at the forefront of blockchain innovation. The Foundation’s proactive approach to addressing community concerns and technical challenges underscores its commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of the Ethereum network.