About ZIBR

Emerging technologies continuously reshape how we live, work, and connect with one another. Among these technical innovations, blockchain stands out as a force with the potential to transform not only financial systems, but also governance, law, culture, and everyday social interactions. Its impact extends far beyond technical applications, raising fundamental questions about trust, transparency, and the organization of society.

The Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR), a joint initiative of the University of Lucerne and the Canton of Zug, is dedicated to exploring these questions in depth. Unlike other research centers that focus primarily on technical or business aspects, ZIBR approaches blockchain from a humanities perspective. This allows us to investigate the broader political, economic, legal, and societal implications of this technology.

Our goal is not only to understand blockchain as a technological development, but also to assess its potential to reshape social institutions, influence democratic processes, and redefine the relationship between individuals and the state.

In doing so, ZIBR contributes to a deeper understanding of how emerging technologies interact with, and ultimately transform, the fabric of human society.

Academic chairs across key disciplines within ZIBR, with more chairs to come

History of ZIBR

ZIBR was originally conceptualized in August 2021 by representatives of the Canton of Zug and the University of Lucerne. The University of Lucerne’s strong expertise in the humanities made it an ideal partner for exploring the broader societal impacts of blockchain technology. The project further evolved to include a close cooperation with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) in the form of a joint Research Initiative and accompanying Hub.

The creation of ZIBR has followed a structured political and academic process:

2021–2022: Project planning and formation of working groups between the Canton of Zug, University of Lucerne, and HSLU.
2022: Official support by the Zug government is secured, launching the “Blockchain Zug – Joint Research Initiative” with three pillars:
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1. Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR) at the University of Lucerne
2. Strengthening existing blockchain research fields at HSLU
3. Creation of a joint research Hub, to serve as dedicated cooperation and communication platform between the University of Lucerne and HSLU
2023–2024: Political approval at various stages, culminating in final approval by the Zug Cantonal Parliament with unanimous support (75:0 votes), upon which the legal basis for the ZIBR and the broader Research initiative entered into force.

Decision of the Cantonal Parliament

Accompanying Report

Within the University of Lucerne, the Institute is anchored through a formal cooperation agreement and governed by university statutes. It is supported by multiple faculties and aligned with the University Research Center for Digital Transformation. Academic appointments and the establishment of the first five professorships began in mid-2024, with further expansion planned in subsequent years.

The Institute is governed by an Association that includes representatives from the Canton of Zug and the University of Lucerne. The Institute’s steering committee is comprised primarily of faculty members of the University of Lucerne, and is operationally complemented by an executive management team.

Meet our Team

Steering Committee

Prof. Dr. Alexander Trechsel

Professor of Political Science and Political Communication

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Rütsche

Professor of Public Law and Philosophy of Law

Management & Operations

Pascal Neupert

Managing Director, Operations

Tracy Trachsler

Managing Director, Strategy

Martina Kunz-Vesti

Administrative Assistant

Academic Chairs & Researchers

Prof. Dr. Max Baumgart

Associate Professor of Energy Law and Blockchain

Prof. Dr. Patrik Hummel

Professor of Philosophy and Blockchain

Ass.-Prof. Dr. Claude Humbel

Assistant Professor for Private Law and Blockchain

Ass.-Prof. Dr. Markus Schreiber

Assistant Professor of Public Law and Blockchai

Prof. Dr. Adam Hayes

Professor of Sociology and Blockchain

Dr. Jonathan Bright

Teaching and Research Associate at ZIBR

What We Do

Interdisciplinary Research

Our research approach bridges various disciplines within the humanities to examine blockchain’s political, economic, legal, and societal dimensions. By connecting diverse fields of expertise, we generate insights into the broader implications of technological innovation.

Public Engagement

Our public engagement fosters a deeper understanding of how blockchain influences democratic institutions, governance, and everyday social life. Through dialogue and knowledge exchange, we connect technological innovation with its broader consequences for society.

Academic & Industry Collaboration

Our collaborations bridge scholarship and practice, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to examine blockchain’s evolving role in society. This exchange of expertise ensures that our work remains both intellectually rigorous and socially relevant.