1 of 8

Contributing to Economic Protocol Research

How to get started

Julian Ma

Robust Incentives Group

Ethereum Foundation Research

2 of 8

What does Protocol Research Mean?

      • Contributing to Ethereum’s future.

Decentralization Efficiency Censorship Resistance

      • Research as a tool for decision making.
        • What are the properties Ethereum needs?
        • Given these properties, what economic mechanisms are optimal?

3 of 8

Where to start?

      • Roadmaps span the entire protocol.
        • Finding a starting point can be difficult.
      • Best way to start in my opinion:
        • Find some researchers whose work you like.
        • Often, they will state the limitations of their work or areas for further research.
        • Identify how you can extend upon their research.
        • Contact them with your idea!

4 of 8

Tractability vs. Innovativeness

Tractability

Innovativeness

Tractability depends on your skillset

5 of 8

Ideal Trade-Off

Tractability

Innovativeness

Ideal Problem

6 of 8

Don’t Let Perfect be the Enemy of Good!

Tractability

Innovativeness

Your First Problem

7 of 8

Come in!

8 of 8

Thank you!

Julian Ma

Robust Incentives Group, EFR

julian.ma@ethereum.org

@_julianma

beam.chain@ethereum.org