University of Wyoming Launches Groundbreaking Bitcoin Research Institute Led by Philosopher

Introduction

The University of Wyoming has unveiled the first academic institute dedicated exclusively to Bitcoin research, spearheaded by Associate Professor of Philosophy Bradley Rettler.

Institute Goals

According to Nik Hoffman from Bitcoin Magazine, the institute aims to elevate the quality and impact of Bitcoin research by:

• Creating faculty positions specifically for Bitcoin research.
• Incentivizing and rewarding high-quality academic research.
• Encouraging young scholars to engage in Bitcoin research projects.
• Offering workshops on related papers and books.
• Connecting researchers interested in Bitcoin and providing peer-reviewed research for journalists, policymakers, and the public.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Professor Rettler emphasized that the institute will not promote Bitcoin as an investment. Instead, it will explore the dimensions of Bitcoin’s existence across various fields, including philosophy, law, energy and environmental science, and computer science.

Notable Collaborations

Rettler is the co-author of the book Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin, and he will be joined by Andrew M. Bailey, a professor at Yale-NUS, in 2025. Bailey’s course syllabus on the Philosophy & Economics of Bitcoin is available for review.

Funding

The establishment of the Bitcoin Research Institute was partially funded by a $1.5 million grant from investor Mark Casey.