YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Blockchain researcher Max Resnick has transitioned from the Ethereum infrastructure firm Consensys to the Solana research company Anza, beginning his new role on December 9. He confirmed the move on X, stating:
Resnick plans to dedicate his first 100 days to developing technical specifications focusing on Solana’s fee markets and consensus mechanisms, areas where he believes he can make a meaningful contribution. These efforts align with Anza’s broader objectives of enhancing Solana’s Agave client, which seeks to improve network resilience and uptime.
Previously, Resnick held the role of 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 was critical of Ethereum’s scaling strategy. He argued that the emphasis on layer-2 solutions was misplaced, suggesting instead that Ethereum should have focused on scalability at its base layer, similar to Solana’s approach.
His departure has prompted mixed reactions within 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 pointed out the irony of Resnick now working to replicate Ethereum’s research culture and client diversity at Solana.
In a previous appearance on the Ethereum-focused show *Bankless*, Resnick discussed Solana’s architecture. When asked whether 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 expected 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 boost the network’s stability and performance.
Prominent figures, including Joe Lubin from Ethereum and Anatoly Yakovenko from Solana, have highlighted Resnick’s move as beneficial for blockchain innovation. They believe his work could foster collaboration and technical progress across both ecosystems.
### Resnick’s Advisory Role and Influence on Blockchain Scaling
Despite leaving Ethereum, Resnick will maintain an advisory role at Consensys as a research fellow. He praised the Special Mechanisms Group, emphasizing its ongoing contributions to blockchain research. Resnick also acknowledged new team members like Mallesh Pai, who are expected to further develop Ethereum’s ecosystem.
According to Kaito AI, Resnick is ranked as the 34th most influential crypto figure on X over the past month. His move to Solana’s Anza has shifted attention toward the platform’s technical roadmap and scalability features, contributing to the ongoing debates about blockchain scaling strategies.