The University of Wyoming has just launched what is considered the first Academic Bitcoin Research Institute, with the aim of boosting the quality of research into the cryptocurrency. The announcement came during the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville.
The new academic department is led by Dr. Bradley Rettler, Associate Professor of Philosophy and author of the book “Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for BTC.”
First Academic Bitcoin Research Institute
The institute “aims to produce high-quality peer-reviewed publications on BTC, spanning all academic disciplines,” he said on his X Platform account.
Rettler’s book, which examines the historical and intellectual underpinnings of crypto, was described by Molly Zuckerman, president of the Association of Cryptocurrency Journalists and Researchers, as “a thoughtful thought experiment that really makes you think about BTC role in the world.”
Wyoming is good. And from August 2025, I’ll be a Professor of Philosophy at the new Bitcoin Research Institute at the University of Wyoming. Rettlerb and I have long dreamed of building something together; this is a dream come.
Rettler will bring his expertise to the helm of the University of Wyoming’s Bitcoin Research Institute (BRI).
“Academic research on BTC is in a precarious state,” the BRI website noted.
“In short, academics, journalists, policymakers, and the general public lack access to quality research on Bitcoin. The BTC Research Institute aims to provide that.”
Additionally, Andrew M. Bailey, the book’s lead author, will join the institute’s faculty in August. BRI will officially open in August, in time to welcome students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“I’ve always dreamed of building something like this; this is a dream come true,” Bailey wrote.
Furthermore, the BTC Research Institute plans to create academic positions, incentivize and reward research, which will encourage young people to engage in BTC-related projects.
BRI will also organize events such as book workshops, weekly seminars, and public outreach events.
Wyoming has always been Bitcoin
Wyoming is famous for being a pro-crypto state in the US, especially because of Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, a longtime crypto advocate . She predicts that the asset class is ripe for responsible regulation.
The Senator recently highlighted that holding BTC in reserve could support the strength of the US dollar. Furthermore, during the BTC 2024 Conference, she proposed purchasing 1 million BTC over five years for the national reserve.
According to the BTC Research Institute website, the state’s proximity to renewable energy sources and a favorable regulatory and legislative environment for BTC helped establish the academic unit.
The institute is also seeking donations from the community, both in Bitcoin and fiat currency.
