Ethereum Foundation Restructures, Lays Off Staff to Refocus on Core Protocol Goals

The Ethereum Foundation has initiated a strategic restructuring that includes layoffs within its research and development division, according to a blog post released Monday. The move aims to sharpen the organization’s focus on critical protocol design challenges amid ongoing community pressure.

Now operating under the streamlined name “Protocol,” the restructured team will prioritize scaling Ethereum’s base layer, expanding blobspace for improved data availability, and enhancing user experience. These changes are part of the Foundation’s broader effort to boost the efficiency and transparency of Ethereum’s core development process.

While the Switzerland-based nonprofit did not reveal the exact number of team members affected, the blog acknowledged that “some members of PR&D won’t be continuing with the Ethereum Foundation.” The post encouraged other Ethereum projects to consider hiring the impacted personnel, underscoring their value to the ecosystem.

The shake-up comes as Ethereum faces mounting scrutiny over its leadership and slow progress on key upgrades. Community members have voiced concerns that unresolved technical challenges could jeopardize Ethereum’s dominance in the blockchain space.

Co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Weng stated that the changes are designed to make the Foundation’s efforts more responsive and effective, emphasizing the importance of streamlining internal workflows to accelerate innovation. The Protocol team is expected to increase public visibility into upgrade timelines, research developments, and technical documentation.

The Ethereum Foundation’s latest restructuring signals a renewed commitment to solving the scalability and usability issues that continue to affect the network. As Ethereum gears up for future upgrades, the Foundation hopes this focused approach will better align its internal operations with the demands of its global developer and user base.