Trinity College Dublin has partnered with Ripple, a leading player in the crypto space, to launch an exciting blockchain research initiative.
The partnership, which will be funded over two years to the tune of $200,000 (€194,531), will tackle critical issues in the areas of cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity and fintech. According to the Irish Independentthe research center will be established at the Adapt Research Ireland center within the university.
Ripple, known for providing digital asset infrastructure to financial institutions, is supporting the initiative through its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI). This global program is dedicated to the advancement of blockchain innovation and education, and Trinity is the first Irish university to join the initiative.
Leading the project is Professor Hitesh Tewari from Trinity’s School of Computer Science and Statistics. He described the Ripple Blockchain Collaboratory as a space where students and researchers can delve into blockchain solutions to solve real-world challenges. “We are delighted to be the first university in Ireland to receive support from Ripple’s UBRI program,” said Professor Tewari. “The Ripple Blockchain Collaboratory will provide a platform to advance blockchain research, enabling our students and staff to develop solutions to address real-world challenges in financial technology, cybersecurity and privacy. »
The collaboration will explore how emerging technologies are shaping the future of finance and technology, with a particular focus on the Irish perspective. One of the key projects underway is a decentralized social media platform designed to provide users with greater privacy and control by removing the need for a central authority.
A notable feature of the partnership is Trinity’s role in operating an XRP Ledger (XRPL) validator. XRP, Ripple’s cryptocurrency, uses the validator as a decentralized blockchain ledger. By hosting an XRPL validator, Trinity researchers will directly contribute to the global blockchain ecosystem and gain hands-on experience with decentralized technology.
Lauren Weymouth, senior director of academic partnerships at Ripple, highlighted the importance of collaboration. “By hosting an XRPL validator at Trinity, we are connecting the university to the heart of decentralized technology,” she explained. “Ireland has positioned itself as a leading hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency advancements, and Ripple’s UBRI program is excited to work with Trinity College to further drive innovation in this thriving ecosystem. “
Besides research, the program will focus on engaging local blockchain and fintech groups. Its aim is to raise awareness of the potential of blockchain and encourage public debate on cryptocurrencies through events such as seminars, conferences and workshops.
Trinity now joins a global network of more than 50 universities from 26 countries that have partnered with Ripple’s UBRI since its launch in 2018. With a contribution of $50 million, the program promotes global academic research, technical advancement and blockchain innovation.
Notably, the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest university, joined UBRI as an XRPL validator last year, advancing payment processing technology. This partnership allows Trinity students to collaborate with industry professionals and attend Ripple’s global events, firmly establishing Ireland’s place on the blockchain innovation map.
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