Francesco D’Amato, one of the key researchers at the Ethereum Foundation, has decided to leave the organization after five years of productive work. His new professional path is tied to the independent non-profit laboratory EthLabs, which specializes in deep protocol development.
During his time at the Ethereum Foundation, D’Amato focused on two critically important areas for the network: research into Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) and consensus mechanisms. MEV, as is known, represents one of the most pressing issues in modern Ethereum, affecting the fairness of income distribution among validators and users. His contribution to the analysis of these mechanisms cannot be overstated—it is precisely such research that lays the groundwork for future network improvements.
At EthLabs, D’Amato will continue working directly on the Ethereum protocol. The move to an independent laboratory, free from corporate structures, opens new horizons for the researcher. EthLabs is known for its innovative approach to ecosystem development, and the arrival of an expert like D’Amato will undoubtedly strengthen its position.
My view: This is not just a personnel change, but a signal of the maturity of the Ethereum ecosystem. The transition of leading researchers from centralized structures to independent laboratories is a natural stage in the network’s evolution. It allows for diversifying research and accelerating the implementation of solutions that may be too risky or controversial for official foundations. In the coming years, we will likely see even more such moves, which will ultimately benefit the entire community.