Blockchain and DeFi Lab

Welcome to the Blockchain and DeFi Lab at UCL IFT Labs, a premier hub for the fusion of academia, innovation, and practical consultancy in the burgeoning fields of blockchain technology and decentralized finance. The Blockchain and DeFi Lab operates under the aegis of the UCL Institute of Finance and Technology Labs, serving as a beacon of innovation and education in the realms of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi). With a commitment to unravelling the potential of blockchain and DeFi, the lab is a hub for deep insights and pragmatic solutions for these evolving technologies.

Our research spans the cutting-edge of Web3 developments, delving into cryptocurrency economics, smart contract security, and distributed ledger technologies. We endeavour to empower the next generation of innovators through comprehensive courses, workshops, and seminars, readying them to lead in this vital domain. Bridging academia and industry, the lab provides bespoke consultancy and fosters collaboration to promote the growth of the DeFi ecosystem. Our initiative is to demystify the intricacies of blockchain and catalyze the evolution of DeFi systems through rigorous research, bespoke education, and industry collaboration. Here's a closer look at our focus areas:

Cryptocurrencies and Tokenomics

• Our researchers analyse the underpinnings of cryptocurrencies, studying the intricate balance of security, decentralisation, and economic viability that defines cryptocurrencies.
• We delve into tokenomics to uncover the factors that influence token utility and value, designing models that ensure sustainability and market adaptability.

Blockchain Technology Advancements

• Our lab is dedicated to the advancement of blockchain technology, exploring its potential to revolutionize how transactions and digital interactions are conducted.
• By developing new blockchain protocols and consensus algorithms, we strive to enhance security and efficiency within distributed networks.

Innovations in Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

• We work on creating and refining DeFi platforms to mirror and improve upon traditional financial systems, utilizing smart contracts to facilitate transactions without central oversight.
• Our lab investigates the scalability, interoperability, and user experience challenges inherent in current DeFi solutions, aiming to address and solve these issues.

Smart Contracts and Decentralized Applications (DApps)

• The design and analysis of smart contracts and DApps represent a significant portion of our research, focusing on their potential to automate and secure digital agreements.
• We are building tools and frameworks that ensure the integrity and reliability of smart contracts, minimizing the risks and vulnerabilities.

 Regulatory Engagement and Ethical Frameworks

Navigating the complex regulatory landscapes, our lab collaborates with policymakers to craft guidelines that foster innovation while protecting users. We emphasize the ethical considerations of blockchain and DeFi, ensuring that our advancements contribute positively to society and the economy.

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Recent publications

A. Bovet, C. Campajola, F. Mottes, V. Restocchi, N. Vallarano, T. Squartini, and C.J. Tessone, "The Evolving Liaisons Between the Transaction Networks of Bitcoin and its Price Dynamics," Proceedings of Blockchain Kaigi 2022, 2023.

S.N. Li, C. Campajola, and C.J. Tessone, "Twisted by the Pools: Detection of Selfish Anomalies in Proof-of-Work Mining," arXiv preprint arXiv:2208.05748, 2022.

C. Campajola, R. Cristodaro, F.M. De Collibus, T. Yan, N. Vallarano, and C.J. Tessone, "The Evolution of Centralisation on Cryptocurrency Platforms," arXiv preprint arXiv:2206.05081, 2022.

C. Campajola, M. D'Errico, and C.J. Tessone, "MicroVelocity: Rethinking the Velocity of Money for Digital Currencies," arXiv preprint arXiv:2201.13416, 2022.

Gong, H., Thapar, H., & Thapar, A. (2022). Central bank digital currencies: From design to issuance and distribution—A case study of China’s sovereign digital currency. Journal of Digital Banking, 7(2), 166-187.