The University of Wyoming is setting the stage for a fresh perspective on Bitcoin research with the launch of its new Bitcoin Research Institute, set to commence this August. This initiative, spearheaded by Bradley Rettler, an associate professor at the university and a passionate advocate for Bitcoin, promises to delve into the intricacies of Bitcoin through rigorous, peer-reviewed studies.
Announced on X (formerly Twitter) on July 28, the institute will be directed by Rettler, who has been vocal about the shortcomings of current Bitcoin research. Rettler’s critique points to a significant gap in the quality of existing studies, which he argues are often marred by inaccuracies and a lack of depth. One example he cited is a 2018 study led by Professor Camilo Mora from the University of Hawaii. The study claimed that Bitcoin’s emissions could lead to a considerable increase in global warming by 2048, but Rettler criticized it for overlooking crucial factors like Bitcoin’s difficulty adjustment and block size cap.
Rettler’s concerns underscore a broader issue within the academic and journalistic handling of Bitcoin. According to him, many existing research efforts fail to capture the full scope of Bitcoin’s impact and mechanisms, resulting in misleading information being circulated. He asserts that such errors can influence public perception and policy decisions, emphasizing the need for more accurate and comprehensive research.
The Bitcoin Research Institute is set to address these gaps by focusing on high-quality, peer-reviewed studies that aim to clarify and expand understanding of Bitcoin. The institute’s activities will include annual summer workshops, academic prizes, and weekly seminars. These initiatives are designed to foster a more informed and nuanced discussion around Bitcoin, moving beyond the often superficial or flawed analyses that currently dominate the field.
Among the institute’s notable contributors is Andrew M. Bailey, the lead author of “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin,” a book that explores Bitcoin from a philosophical perspective. Bailey’s involvement, along with Rettler’s, reflects the institute’s commitment to blending theoretical and practical insights into Bitcoin’s multifaceted nature.
As the new academic year begins, the institute aims to become a hub for high-caliber research and discussion on Bitcoin, seeking to correct misconceptions and enrich the field with rigorous scholarship. With its focus on providing well-researched and peer-reviewed insights, the Bitcoin Research Institute is poised to make a significant impact on how Bitcoin is studied and understood.
