The Ethereum Foundation has implemented a major operational overhaul, consolidating its Protocol Research & Development division into a leaner "Protocol" unit while parting ways with undisclosed staff members. ——This strategic pivot comes as the blockchain network intensifies efforts to enhance base-layer scalability and rollup infrastructure—— according to official communications released this Wednesday.
Internal documents reveal the restructured team will concentrate on: 【1】Optimizing Layer-1 throughput, 【2】Expanding data blob capacity for rollups, and 【3】Streamlining user interactions. Notably, veteran developers including Tim Beiko have been reassigned to lead these specialized tracks, signaling continuity amidst organizational changes.
The Foundation framed the transition as essential for capitalizing on breakthroughs in zkEVM technology. "We're entering a phase where protocol delivery demands unprecedented agility," stated the announcement, acknowledging the challenges of balancing innovation with operational execution.
This development extends a series of governance modifications initiated earlier this year. January saw co-founder Vitalik Buterin advocate for more technically-driven leadership, while April brought structural separation between the Foundation's strategic board and day-to-day management teams.
Industry analysts observe the moves reflect growing pains as Ethereum transitions from research-oriented development to production-grade implementation. Interestingly, the Foundation declined to specify how many positions were eliminated, though insiders suggest the cuts primarily affected non-technical roles.
With rival blockchains gaining traction, Ethereum's latest reorganization appears timed to maintain technological leadership. The Protocol team's narrowed focus on scaling solutions directly addresses current network congestion issues that have driven users toward alternative L2 platforms.
——This restructuring may represent Ethereum's final opportunity to deploy its vision at global scale—— remarked one blockchain architect familiar with the Foundation's operations. As of press time, Ethereum's native token showed 【3.2%】 gains following the announcement, suggesting market approval of the strategic refocus.
The Foundation maintains these changes won't disrupt ongoing network upgrades, with the next major hard fork still scheduled for Q3 implementation. Observers will be watching whether the streamlined structure can deliver on promises of enhanced protocol development velocity.