The University of Wyoming will inaugurate the UW Bitcoin Research Institute this August, spearheaded by Bradley Rettler and Andrew M. Bailey. The institute aims to enhance Bitcoin research through rigorous, peer-reviewed studies and educational initiatives.
Elevating Bitcoin Research Standards
Bradley Rettler, an Associate Professor and vocal Bitcoin advocate, announced the launch of the institute. He pointed out a significant gap in high-quality academic publications on Bitcoin. Rettler stressed the importance of accurate Bitcoin information for public understanding and policymaking. He specifically criticized a 2018 study led by University of Hawaii Professor Camilo Mora for overlooking critical aspects such as Bitcoin’s difficulty adjustment and block size cap, which Rettler believes are vital for making accurate global warming predictions.
Leadership and Activities
Rettler will lead the institute, with Andrew M. Bailey, author of “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin,” joining as one of its professors. The institute plans to offer annual summer workshops, academic prizes, and weekly seminars to promote Bitcoin education and research.
Operating as a nonprofit, the Bitcoin Research Institute welcomes Bitcoin donations, which it intends to keep as part of its investment strategy without selling them. This approach aligns with the institute’s mission to advance Bitcoin research and education.
Wyoming’s Bitcoin-Friendly Environment
Wyoming has established itself as a Bitcoin-friendly state, supported by prominent figures like Senator Cynthia Lummis and Caitlin Long, CEO of Custodia Bank. Senator Lummis recently proposed the Bitcoin Reserve bill, advocating for the U.S. to acquire 5% of Bitcoin’s total supply to reduce national debt. Additionally, Wyoming lawmakers have enacted legislation to protect digital asset owners’ privacy and provide legal support for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
The establishment of the UW Bitcoin Research Institute signifies a significant step in advancing scholarly understanding and public discourse on Bitcoin. It leverages Wyoming’s supportive regulatory environment for digital assets to foster innovation and research in the cryptocurrency field.
