Francesco D’Amato Leaves Ethereum Foundation for Ethlabs

Former Ethereum Researcher Moves to Ethlabs

Francesco D’Amato, once a key researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, has announced his transition to Ethlabs, an independent protocol research organization. This shift signifies a growing trend of core Ethereum developers moving into external organizations.

Goals at Ethlabs

In his new role at Ethlabs, D’Amato will focus on improving Ethereum’s transaction finality times and expanding the research team. He expressed commitment to advancing protocol work, particularly as Ethereum continues to gain broader adoption. D’Amato shared his decision on social media, stating, “Leaving that behind is hard, but after 5 years, this time of great change seems right for a new beginning.” He highlighted the belief that there is now a “credible shot” for core research to progress independently from the Ethereum Foundation.

A New Chapter for Ethereum Development

D’Amato is not alone in this transition. Ethlabs was launched earlier this year as a nonprofit initiative created by former Ethereum Foundation researchers, including Ansgar Dietrichs, Barnabé Monnot, and others. The organization aims to conduct research on a variety of aspects vital to Ethereum’s growth, such as settlement speed and network capacity, while ensuring that research remains independent despite the involvement of corporate backers.

Response to Internal Changes at Ethereum Foundation

This move comes in the wake of significant restructuring within the Ethereum Foundation, which reduced its workforce by about 20% and dissolved its Protocol Support team. D’Amato’s departure reflects a broader trend where Ethereum development is increasingly taking place outside the Foundation, allowing for more specialized focus in new organizations. Recently, other former Foundation employees established EthSystems, a for-profit firm focused on creating confidential infrastructure for financial institutions utilizing Ethereum technology.

Looking Ahead

With D’Amato’s wealth of experience at the Ethereum Foundation, his efforts at Ethlabs will likely play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of Ethereum’s technical framework. As the landscape of Ethereum development continues to shift, contributions from independent entities like Ethlabs are set to significantly influence the future of the blockchain’s adoption and functionality.