The future of the RMIT Blockchain Hub is uncertain, with claims circulating that it may be shut down. Professor Ellie Rennie, a member of the hub, took to X to announce its closure, citing no clear reason for the decision. However, Professor Jason Potts, the co-director of the hub, clarified that the situation is still fluid and no final decision has been made.
While some sources suggest that the hub’s lack of high-quality research and consulting work has made it difficult to secure funding, others believe that ongoing discussions are underway to find a solution. RMIT’s internal processes require a week-long consultation with staff, during which Potts will need to present a viable funding plan to ensure the hub’s survival.
The RMIT Blockchain Hub, established in 2017, was the world’s first research center focused on the social science of blockchain. It aimed to understand the global blockchain revolution through the lens of economics, sociology, public policy, and political economy. The hub’s potential closure amidst a recent crypto market rally has raised eyebrows, as it highlights the challenges faced by blockchain research institutions, even in times of relative market optimism.
