Two more Ethereum Foundation researchers have resigned, pushing the nonprofit's total number of major departures this year to at least eight. Julian Ma and Carl Beek left their posts in 2026, according to sources familiar with the moves. The exits add to a growing list of high-level talent losses at the organization that stewards the Ethereum blockchain.
The latest exits
Ma and Beek both worked as researchers for the foundation, a role focused on Ethereum's protocol development and long-term roadmap. Their resignations follow similar moves by other staffers earlier in 2026. Neither the foundation nor the two researchers have publicly commented on the reasons for their departures.
A year of turnover
At least eight major departures have now occurred at the Ethereum Foundation since the start of 2026. That makes this one of the most active years for personnel change at the organization, which is known for a relatively lean and stable team. The foundation has not disclosed whether it plans to backfill the roles or restructure its research division.
The foundation has not announced any immediate leadership changes or a public response to the exodus. With a core team responsible for Ethereum's protocol upgrades, the loss of multiple researchers could slow technical work, though the foundation has historically relied on a wider ecosystem of contributors.
