Ethereum Foundation researchers resign again. On Monday, Julian Ma and Carl Beek both left the organization.
Ma ended his four‑year tenure. Beek ended his seven‑year tenure. Their departures bring the total number of high‑profile exits to at least eight in 2026.
Why Ethereum Foundation researchers resign in waves
Ma contributed to Ethereum’s censorship‑resistant properties and cross‑layer bridge algorithms. Beek contributed to the early design of the Beacon Chain, which introduced proof‑of‑stake to the blockchain.
Ma said on X that he left to focus on product and growth. He added that the Foundation “is an amazing place but not right for my next steps.”
Beek said he is leaving on May 29. For now, he will spend time with his wife and one‑month‑old child.
These two resignations add to a wave of departures this year. In fact, May alone has seen five senior developers and researchers leave.
Recent departures from the Foundation
Earlier this month, the Ethereum Foundation announced that Barnabé Monnot and Tim Beiko (leaders of the Protocol Cluster team) would move on. Their other lead, Alex Stokes, will go on sabbatical.
In April, Josh Stark, a key researcher and project manager, said he was leaving. That happened one day after Trent Van Epps announced his resignation.
In February, Tomasz Stanczak stepped down as co‑executive director.
Leadership changes at the Foundation
Last year, Ethereum co‑founder Vitalik Buterin announced major leadership changes. He also set a new direction for the Foundation. These changes came in response to criticism from Ethereum users over the blockchain’s long‑term roadmap.
Buterin aims to bring new talent to the organization. The goal is to redevelop the protocol for higher and faster throughput.
