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The Ethereum Foundation is thrilled to announce the Academic Grants Round 2024, an initiative dedicated to fostering research in the Ethereum ecosystem. Following the overwhelming success of the 2023 round, where we funded 43 projects from 20 countries, we are eager to continue supporting academic contributions. With a focus on a wide array of domains such as, applied and theoretical cryptography, economics, game theory, security, consensus protocols, formal verification, p2p networking, society and regulation, and hardware, we aim to catalyze research that propels the Ethereum ecosystem forward.
In 2023, we received an astounding 250 applications, which highlighted the global academic community’s growing interest in Ethereum. This year, we aim to build on this momentum by inviting even more researchers and institutions from more countries to participate. Through this wave of grants, the Ethereum Foundation underscores its commitment to supporting rigorous academic work that addresses key challenges and unlocks new opportunities.
We are looking for proposals that not only align with our wishlist but also bring novel perspectives and approaches. We encourage you to draw inspiration from the wishlist and think creatively about how your research can contribute to the Ethereum ecosystem.
Submit proposal
Individual researchers with academic backgrounds, research centers, universities, think-tanks, educators and other stakeholders interested in research on matters related to Ethereum and its ecosystem are encouraged to apply.
Anyone is free to participate in this grants round, as an individual or with a team.
Undergraduate researchers will require a postdoctoral advisor.
Wishlist
The Ethereum Foundation is interested in research and academic output in the following domain areas, but don't let this restrict your creativity. Check out our wishlist.
Surprise us with your creativity!
Application requirements
- All applications must have a written proposal in PDF format
- Proposals must be in English
- Proposals must include a detailed description, budget, and timeline for the proposed scope of work
- Proposals must include an applicant profile
- Proposals must include a public repository or link to published work
- Here is a template for a proposal
- Ideas and projects at any stage of development are welcome:
- Idea phase
- Proof-of-concept
- Work in progress
- Fleshed out project
Deadline
The deadline for proposals is Monday, March 4th, 2024. We will follow-up regarding your submission by email. Decisions will be emailed 6-8 weeks after the application deadline.
Eligibility criteria
- Projects must produce formal academic research
- Research output must be open-access with a free and permissive license
What is not eligible
- Anything that is not legal within the jurisdiction where the work is taking place
- Financial products and services (trading platforms, investment products, stablecoins, lending or betting platforms, etc.)
- Art projects or social impact projects that don’t fit within the scope of this round
- Projects requesting retroactive funding
- Projects with a planned token launch or public funding round
Selection criteria
Applications are selected for funding on a case-by-case basis. You may submit more than one application as long as each proposal is unique and meets the requirements and goals of this round. Submissions will be reviewed using the following considerations. Note: depending on the proposal, some criteria might not be applicable:
- Impact of the proposed research output
- Quality of work and experience of the research team
- Clarity, conciseness, and organization of the proposal
- Contribution to the wishlist areas
- Potential of long-term involvement in the Ethereum ecosystem
- Analyses of visualizations that help a non-technical audience gain insight into the research
Next steps and support
For any general support questions about your submission, please email academic-grants@ethereum.org.
Frequently asked questions
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