tl;dr
The Ethereum Foundation consolidated its protocol research and development teams into a single unit called Protocol to focus on three main priorities: scaling the base layer, expanding blob capacity for layer-2 networks, and improving user experience. Leadership roles were assigned to oversee these ...
The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has unified its protocol research and development teams into a single entity named Protocol. This reorganization sharpens the focus on three core priorities: scaling the base layer, increasing blob capacity for layer-2 networks, and advancing the user experience.
Leadership is clearly assigned with Tim Beiko and Ansgar Dietrichs heading base-layer scaling, Alex Stokes and Francesco D’Amato managing layer-2 throughput and blob design, and Barnabé Monnot alongside Josh Rudolf overseeing user experience enhancements. Dankrad Feist provides advisory support across these tracks.
This merger responds to rapid advancements in zkEVM rollups and increasing demand for Ethereum's use as a settlement layer, enabling a more streamlined path from research to implementation. It also fosters closer collaboration between client development, cryptography, and interface teams.
Operating with a leaner staff, the Foundation has seen some departures amid this restructure and encourages Ethereum companies to recruit from this talent pool. The new structure enforces clear accountability by requiring team leads to maintain measurable progress on the designated priorities.
Additionally, Protocol reforms Ethereum’s internal governance by adjusting meeting schedules and enhancing community input on topics such as hard-fork timing, security reviews, and blob pricing policies. Open positions include leads in user experience and performance engineering, with an interest in candidates experienced in kernel-level programming and cryptography.
Protocol will actively collaborate with external client teams and layer-2 builders through joint workshops to refine upcoming execution-layer changes and blob compression techniques, aiming to prepare effectively for future network upgrades. This new framework took effect immediately upon announcement.