Ethereum Researchers Resign from EigenLayer Amid Controversy to Focus on Network Development

In a significant development within the Ethereum ecosystem, prominent researchers Justin Drake and Dankrad Feist have stepped down from their advisory roles at EigenLayer. The announcement was made via the X platform, with both researchers citing the need to concentrate on advancing the Ethereum main network. Drake, who had previously retracted from his advisory position in September, expressed regret for the controversy that ensued. He acknowledged that his initial decision to engage with EigenLayer may have been ill-advised, extending apologies to the Ethereum community and his associates at the Ethereum Foundation.

The advisory roles, initially highlighted in May, sparked discussions surrounding potential conflicts of interest. Data from DefiLlama indicates that EigenLayer is among the leading platforms in terms of total value locked (TVL) within the Ethereum network. Notably, Drake has revealed that his earnings from token distribution are substantial, totaling “millions of dollars worth of tokens vested over three years,” which raises questions about the financial implications of such advisory positions.