2026-05-09 –, ETHRes
This talk explores the evolving foundations of scalable, secure, and decentralized blockchains through the lens of SNARK‑ification, quantum‑resistant design, Layer‑1 scalability, and novel consensus ideas such as proof‑of‑useful‑work.
We examine how succinct arguments (SNARKs, STARKs, and related proof systems) are reshaping how L1s handle throughput, privacy, and upgrades, while also assessing the implications of quantum resistance for long‑term chain security. The discussion then turns to decentralization in practice—how mechanisms like proposer‑builder separation (PBS), PECTRA‑style upgrades, and other protocol changes affect power distribution, censorship resistance, and trust assumptions—before closing with the promise and challenges of proof‑of‑useful‑work as an alternative to plain proof‑of‑work.
Ivan is currently an associate at the Brno University of Technology and he focuses on applied research in the area of system security. Ivan is interested in designing, implementing, and optimizing novel systems and solutions, emphasizing system security. In particular, Ivan focuses on blockchain-based authentication schemes, consensus protocols, electronic voting in blockchains, decentralized iden
Kristian Kostal is leading the Blockchain & FinTech research group at Faculty of Informatics, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. He is a Slovak representative in the European Blockchain Partnership (European Commission). He is very active in research-driven development, mainly in interoperability and usage of ZKPs in blockchains.
Martin Bok has been a member of the Department of International Economic Relations since 2025. His doctoral research focuses on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and their potential economic impacts, with further specialization in Stock-Flow Consistent (SFC) modeling and Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). He is also a member of the 22/7 Fund.
Filip Rezabek is the co-founder and CTO of SpaceComputer, where he leads the design and development of the company’s core distributed systems and cryptographic architecture. He is also a researcher nearing completion of his Ph.D. in distributed computing and robust systems. Outside of work, he can be found on a hiking trail or listening to exactly the right amount of K-Pop.
Co-founder at Ackee Blockchain Security — reviewed over 200 smart contract audits securing $180B+ in TVL (Lido, Aave, Safe, Axelar...). Leads the team that created Wake Framework and Wake Arena. Ph.D. and Assistant Professor at Czech Technical University teaching blockchain security.