The University of Wyoming has launched the first academic Bitcoin Research Institute, with the aim of producing high-quality peer-reviewed publications on Bitcoin from all academic disciplines. The institute, headed by associate professor of Philosophy Dr. Bradley Rettler, was announced during the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville. Dr. Rettler, who co-authored “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin,” will bring his expertise to the role as director of the institute. The BRI aims to address the lack of good research on Bitcoin accessible to academics, journalists, policymakers, and the public.
Andrew M. Bailey, lead author of “Resistance Money,” will join as faculty at the Bitcoin Research Institute starting in August. The institute is set to open officially in August to accommodate the Fall 2024-2025 intake. The BRI aims to create faculty positions and incentivize academic research, stimulating young researchers to pursue Bitcoin-related projects. Additionally, the institute plans to conduct events such as book workshops, weekly seminars, and public outreach events to promote Bitcoin research.
Wyoming has emerged as a crypto-friendly location in the US, driven in part by Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, a long-time crypto advocate. Senator Lummis has advocated for responsible regulation of cryptocurrencies and recently proposed the idea of maintaining Bitcoin in reserve to support the strength of the U.S. dollar. During the Bitcoin 2024 conference, she even suggested the nation should consider buying 1 million BTC over five years as part of its reserve. The state’s proximity to renewable energy sources, positive regulatory environment for Bitcoin, and legislative support have played a role in establishing the academic unit.
The Bitcoin Research Institute in Wyoming is seeking donations from the community, accepting contributions in both Bitcoin and fiat currencies. The institute’s website highlights the state’s crypto-friendly aspirations and positive environment for Bitcoin research. By creating faculty positions and rewarding academic researchers, the BRI aims to further the study of Bitcoin across various disciplines. The institute’s focus on high-quality peer-reviewed publications and events like workshops and seminars will help elevate the academic research on Bitcoin and bridge the gap between academia, policymakers, journalists, and the public.
