Two prominent Ethereum researchers, Justin Drake and Dankrad Feist, have decided to step down from their advisory roles with EigenLayer. This comes after a controversy sparked by their initial appointments in May 2024.
Concerns About Conflicts of Interest
The crypto community expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from the researchers’ involvement with EigenLayer. Drake, in particular, had promised to reinvest his earnings from the role back into the Ethereum ecosystem, further fueling the debate.
Drake Apologizes and Sets New Policy
In a recent post, Drake apologized to the Ethereum community and the Foundation for the controversy. He announced that he had already left his advisory role with EigenLayer in September and also stepped down from the Ultra Sound team.
Drake also stated that he will no longer accept any advisory roles, angel investments, or security council positions. This decision goes beyond the Foundation’s new conflict-of-interest policy, which was implemented in response to the controversy.
Feist Prioritizes Ethereum Development
Feist, known for his work on “Danksharding,” also announced his resignation from EigenLayer. While he believes the project is valuable, he emphasized his commitment to focusing on Ethereum’s development. He believes this will allow him to be more effective in implementing Danksharding and other crucial projects.
Community Response
The crypto community on X has largely welcomed the researchers’ decisions, praising them for prioritizing Ethereum’s interests. The controversy has highlighted the importance of transparency and addressing potential conflicts of interest within the crypto space.
