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UCL Computer Science academics win coveted Blockchain Education Awards
12 October 2022
Dr Jiahua Xu, Nikhil Vadgama and Dr Paolo Tasca won in their categories at the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) Connect event.
UBRI Connect is an annual event which brings together around 30 of the world's top universities in the fields of blockchain, digital payments and cryptocurrency, including the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies (UCL CBT).
As well as showcasing blockchain initiatives and developments, the event provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate top talent in blockchain education and research through the UBRI Awards.
Three UCL CBT academics impressed a panel of five representatives from other UBRI universities around the world to win in their categories.
UBRI Educator (Outstanding Blockchain Professor): Dr Jiahua Xu and Nikhil Vadgama
Dr Jiahua Xu (Lecturer in Financial Computing) and Nikhil Vadgama (Lecturer in Financial Computing) were awarded this distinction for their leading work setting up two of UCL's newest master’s programmes, the Emerging Digital Technologies MSc and the Financial Technology MSc, as well as for their work through the UCL CBT supporting the creation of an innovative education and certification initiative (DLT Education Consortium).
UBRI Maverick (Innovative use of UBRI Funds): Dr Paolo Tasca
UCL CBT Executive Director Dr Paolo Tasca received the award in recognition for the network of almost 300 research and industry associates built by UCL CBT, and the Centre’s achievements in the exploration of the metaverse.
On receiving the award, Jiahua said: "We are humbled by the UBRI award, and grateful to all the support – from both the industry and the academic community – that we have received in setting up the new master's programmes."
Nikhil said: "Financial Technology and Emerging Digital Technologies are two surging fields where knowledge is compounding exponentially. We are really proud that we managed to put UCL ahead of this trend with these two new master's programmes, and it is really encouraging to see the UBRI academic partners also see the merit and forward-thinking approach we have taken with these initiatives."
Paolo said: "When I started with the Centre's activities in 2015, we had a clear goal of advancing the frontiers of blockchain technology, as well as awareness of it. We have managed to build the world's largest network of blockchain research and industry associates, and to leverage this community for the generation and transfer of knowledge.
We are really proud that our global peers in UBRI, which comprises 29 of the world's top blockchain academic institutions, have bestowed this mark of excellence upon us."