The University of Wyoming has launched what it calls the first academic Bitcoin Research Institute to enhance the quality of Bitcoin research. Announced at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville, the new research department will be headed by associate professor of philosophy and author Dr. Bradley Rettler.
The institute “aims to produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications on bitcoin from all academic disciplines,” he wrote on X.
Dr. Rettler is co-author of “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin,” which examines the historical and intellectual underpinnings of cryptocurrencies. Molly Zuckerman, president of the Association of Cryptocurrency Journalists and Researchers, called the book “a thoughtful thought experiment to really determine what you think about bitcoin in the world.”
Rettler would bring his expertise to his role as director of the Bitcoin Research Institute (BRI) at the University of Wyoming.
“The state of scientific research on bitcoin is poor.” – BRI’s website noted. “In short, researchers, journalists, policymakers and the public do not have access to good research on bitcoin. The Bitcoin Research Institute aims to provide it.”
In addition, Andrew M. Bailey, lead author of the book, will join the institute as a lecturer starting in August. The BRI will officially open in August to accept students for the 2024-2025 fall semester.
“I have long dreamed of building something together; this is a dream come true,” – Bailey wrote.
In addition, the Bitcoin Research Institute aims to create faculty positions, encourage and reward scientific research. This would stimulate young people to pursue Bitcoin-related projects.
Besides, BRI will also organize events such as book workshops, weekly seminars, public events, etc.
First Bitcoin Research Institute and Wyoming’s cryptocurrency aspirations
The state of Wyoming is a favorable place for cryptocurrencies in the US, thanks largely to Republican Party Senator Cynthia Lummis. She has long been an advocate of cryptocurrencies, predicting that the asset class is ripe for responsible regulation.
The senator recently noted that keeping bitcoin in reserve could support the strength of the US dollar. Moreover, during the Bitcoin 2024 conference, she also proposed purchasing 1 million BTC over five years as a national reserve.
According to the Bitcoin Research Institute’s website, the state’s proximity to renewable energy sources, positive regulations and legislative environment for Bitcoin helped to establish the academic unit.
The institute is also seeking donations from the community in both Bitcoin and fiat currency contributions.
