The University of Wyoming has started the first academic Bitcoin Research Institute to improve Bitcoin research quality.
The University of Wyoming announced at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville that their new academic research division will be led by Dr.Bradley Rettler is an associate professor of Philosophy and an author.
Dr. Rettler wrote on X that the Institute aims to produce high-quality, peer-reviewed publications about Bitcoin from various academic fields.
Dr. Rettler co-authored the book “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin,” which examines the historical and intellectual foundations of cryptocurrency. Molly Zuckerman, president of the Association of Cryptocurrency Journalists and Researchers, described the book as a “measured thought experiment” that helps readers understand their feelings about Bitcoin.
Dr. Rettler will bring his expertise to his role as the director of the University of Wyoming’s Bitcoin Research Institute (BRI).
“The state of academic Bitcoin research is poor,” the BRI website stated. “Currently, there is a lack of good research on Bitcoin available to academics, journalists, policymakers, and the public. The Bitcoin Research Institute aims to address this gap.”
Additionally, Andrew M. Bailey, the lead author of the book, will join the institute as a faculty member starting in August. The BRI will officially open in August to welcome the Fall 2024-2025 intake.
“I have long dreamed of building something together; this is a dream come true,” wrote Bailey.
Furthermore, the Bitcoin Research Institute aims to create faculty positions to incentivize and reward academic research. This will encourage young people to pursue Bitcoin-related projects.
Additionally, the BRI will host events like book workshops, weekly seminars, and public outreach events.
First Bitcoin Research Institute and Wyoming’s Crypto-Friendly Aspirations
Wyoming has been a pro-crypto state in the US, largely due to its Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis. She has been a long-time crypto advocate, believing that the asset class is ready for responsible regulation.
Senator Lummis recently mentioned that maintaining Bitcoin in reserve could strengthen the U.S. dollar. At the Bitcoin 2024 Conference, she also proposed buying 1 million BTC over five years as the nation’s reserve.
According to the Bitcoin Research Institute’s website, Wyoming’s proximity to renewable energy and its positive regulatory and legislative environment for Bitcoin helped establish the academic unit.
The institute is also seeking donations from the community in both Bitcoin and fiat currency.
FAQs:
Introduction to the Bitcoin Research Institute
The University of Wyoming has launched the first academic Bitcoin Research Institute to enhance Bitcoin research quality. Announced at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville, this new academic research division will be led by Dr. Bradley Rettler, an associate professor of Philosophy and an author.
Leadership and Vision
Dr. Rettler, known for his work on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, will direct the Bitcoin Research Institute. He wrote on X that the Institute aims to produce high-quality, peer-reviewed publications about Bitcoin from various academic fields. His expertise is further demonstrated by his co-authored book, “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin,” which explores the historical and intellectual foundations of cryptocurrency. Molly Zuckerman, president of the Association of Cryptocurrency Journalists and Researchers, has praised the book as a “measured thought experiment” that helps readers understand their feelings about Bitcoin.
Goals and Objectives
The Bitcoin Research Institute aims to address the current lack of quality research on Bitcoin available to academics, journalists, policymakers, and the public. The Institute plans to create faculty positions to incentivize and reward academic research, encourage young people to pursue Bitcoin-related projects, and host events such as book workshops, weekly seminars, and public outreach events.
Opening and Faculty
Andrew M. Bailey, the lead author of “Resistance Money,” will join the Institute as a faculty member starting in August. The Bitcoin Research Institute will officially open in August to welcome the Fall 2024-2025 intake. Bailey expressed his excitement, stating, “I have long dreamed of building something together; this is a dream come true.”
Wyoming’s Crypto-Friendly Environment
Wyoming has been a pro-crypto state in the US, largely due to its Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis. She has been a long-time advocate for cryptocurrency, believing that the asset class is ready for responsible regulation. Recently, Senator Lummis proposed maintaining Bitcoin in reserve to strengthen the U.S. dollar and buying 1 million BTC over five years as the nation’s reserve.
Support and Donations
The Bitcoin Research Institute is also seeking donations from the community in both Bitcoin and fiat currency to support its initiatives.
