YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Blockchain researcher Max Resnick has transitioned from Ethereum infrastructure firm Consensys to Solana research company Anza, commencing his new role on December 9. He confirmed the change on X, stating,
Resnick intends to dedicate his first 100 days to developing technical specifications that focus on Solana’s fee markets and consensus mechanisms, areas where he believes he can make significant contributions. These initiatives align with Anza’s broader objectives of enhancing Solana’s Agave client, which aims to improve network resilience and uptime.
Previously, Resnick served as the head of research at Consensys’ Special Mechanisms Group, a position he began in February 2023.
Resnick’s Critique of Ethereum’s Scaling Approach
While at Consensys, Max Resnick criticized Ethereum’s scaling strategy. He contended that the emphasis on layer-2 solutions was misguided and suggested that Ethereum should have prioritized scalability at its base layer, akin to Solana’s approach.
His departure elicited mixed reactions from the blockchain community. Ethereum advocate Ryan Berckmans commented on X, stating,
“Critics like Max have frequently claimed that Ethereum needs to become more like Solana.”
Berckmans noted the irony of Resnick now working to replicate Ethereum’s research culture and client diversity at Solana.
In a previous appearance on the Ethereum show Bankless, Resnick discussed Solana’s architecture. When asked if he would join Solana, he remarked that modifying Solana’s consensus rules would largely be beyond his control.
Solana’s Technical Goals Gain Momentum
At Anza, Resnick’s contributions are anticipated to enhance Solana’s technical roadmap, particularly through improvements to fee markets and consensus mechanisms. Anza leads the development of Solana’s Agave client, which aims to bolster the network’s stability and performance.
Prominent figures, including Joe Lubin from Ethereum and Anatoly Yakovenko from Solana, underscored Resnick’s move as advantageous for blockchain innovation. They believe his work could promote collaboration and technical advancements across both ecosystems.
Resnick’s Advisory Role and Influence on Blockchain Scaling
Despite departing from Ethereum, Resnick will maintain an advisory role at Consensys as a research fellow. He commended the Special Mechanisms Group, highlighting its ongoing contributions to blockchain research. Resnick also recognized new team members like Mallesh Pai, who are expected to further develop Ethereum’s ecosystem.
According to Kaito AI, Resnick ranks as the 34th most influential crypto figure on X over the past month. His transition to Solana’s Anza shifts focus toward the platform’s technical roadmap and scalability features, adding significance to ongoing discussions about blockchain scaling approaches.