KEYTAKEAWAYS
- First academic Bitcoin Research Institute established at the University of Wyoming
- Dr. Bradley Rettler appointed as director, bringing expertise from his co-authored book on Bitcoin
CONTENT
In a groundbreaking move announced at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference, the University of Wyoming establishes the first-ever academic Bitcoin Research Institute, aiming to elevate the quality of Bitcoin research across all disciplines.
The University of Wyoming has taken a bold step in the world of cryptocurrency education by establishing the first-ever academic Bitcoin Research Institute (BRI). Announced during the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville, this pioneering initiative aims to elevate the quality of Bitcoin research across all academic disciplines.
Dr. Bradley Rettler, an associate professor of Philosophy and co-author of “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin,” has been appointed as the director of the BRI. His expertise in analyzing the historical and intellectual foundations of cryptocurrency will be instrumental in guiding the institute’s research efforts.
The BRI’s primary objective is to produce high-quality, peer-reviewed publications about Bitcoin from various academic perspectives. As stated on the institute’s website, “The state of academic bitcoin research is poor. In short, academics, journalists, policymakers, and the public lack access to good research on bitcoin. The Bitcoin Research Institute aims to provide it.”
Andrew M. Bailey, lead author of the aforementioned book, will join the institute’s faculty in August. The BRI is set to officially open in August to accommodate the Fall 2024-2025 intake.
The institute plans to create faculty positions to incentivize and reward academic research, stimulating young scholars to pursue Bitcoin-related projects. Additionally, the BRI will organize events such as book workshops, weekly seminars, and public outreach programs to foster engagement and knowledge sharing.
Wyoming’s pro-crypto stance, championed by Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, has provided a conducive environment for the establishment of the BRI. The state’s proximity to renewable energy sources and its positive regulatory framework for Bitcoin have contributed to the creation of this academic unit.
We can create a brighter future for generations of Americans by diversifying into #Bitcoin and being the first developed nation to create a strategic reserve. Read more⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1cWAssvZIW
— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) July 27, 2024
The Bitcoin Research Institute is currently seeking donations from the community in both Bitcoin and fiat currencies to support its mission of advancing Bitcoin research and education.
