Ripple has revealed that Yonsei University in South Korea is the newest participant in its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) program. This partnership with the esteemed South Korean academic institution expands Ripple’s UBRI global network to 58 partnerships, with 12 of them situated in the Asia Pacific region.
Yonsei University will embark on a multi-year project to advance research in blockchain technology, concentrating on fields such as artificial intelligence, finance, information systems, and management. As stated in the official press release, the grant will support the establishment of an XRP Ledger (XRPL) validator at Yonsei University. XRPL validators play a crucial role in evaluating transaction proposals from a specific group of trusted validators known as the Unique Node List (UNL), thereby enhancing the network's security and decentralization.
This project will not only advance blockchain research at Yonsei University but also provide practical learning experiences for students and faculty while furthering the 'credibility and neutrality' of the XRPL by integrating another respected academic institution into the validator network.
Commenting on the latest development, Jun Kyung Auh, Associate Professor of Finance and Artificial intelligence at Yonsei University, said, “We are excited to be the latest partner to receive a grant through Ripple’s UBRI program, allowing us to further explore cutting-edge research areas and foster a deeper understanding of blockchain’s impact on the finance and management industries. I’m confident that our students and faculty will benefit immensely from the opportunities to work on real-world challenges and contribute to the global blockchain ecosystem through this partnership”.
UBRI aims to accelerate the global adoption of digital assets and improve interoperability by providing strategic support, technical resources, and financial grants. Ripple stated that since its launch in 2018, the program has made a considerable global impact, supported by more than $60 million in funding from the blockchain company.
