Chainlink has partnered with the IEEE Computer Society's Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Committee (IEEE BDL) to develop global standards for decentralized oracle networks, issuing community incentive grants to a newly formed research group comprising engineers and decision-makers from governments, enterprises, and academia. This collaboration aims to create a universal framework for utilizing oracle networks and hybrid smart contracts, focusing on market-oriented technical standards that safely and efficiently integrate blockchain with traditional data providers and digital infrastructure. Chainlink Labs, a leading provider of blockchain oracle technology, will chair the research group, offering expertise to promote oracle solutions and help establish technical standards. The partnership seeks to enhance blockchain's application, bridging traditional and emerging infrastructures through hybrid smart contracts that combine blockchain security with access to off-chain data and computing resources. The IEEE BDL, renowned for its role in developing standards in blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, will work with Chainlink to support the international standardization process for oracles, leveraging Chainlink's community incentive program to empower teams and researchers to advance key tools and infrastructure within the Chainlink ecosystem.