Stuart Russell

Stuart Russell is a pioneer in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Recently making headlines for raising concerns about the potential for ChatGPT to become part of a super-intelligent machine that can’t be constrained, the Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkely, is a prominent advocate for stronger AI regulatory systems. He also fiercely opposes the manufacture and use of autonomous weapons, tirelessly working with the UN to ban them. Highly sought after for speaking engagements, Stuart delivers thought-provoking presentations on AI, delving into the threats, risks and potential benefits.

In 1979, Stuart attended the University of Oxford to read Physics, graduating with first-class honours in 1982. He went on to earn a PhD in Computer Science at Stanford University in 1986, focusing on inductive and analogical reasoning. Following that, Stuart joined the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, as a Professor of Computer Science. In 2008, he became an Adjunct Professor of Neurological Surgery at UCSF, where he researched computational physiology and intensive-care unit monitoring. He then founded Bayesian Logic, a global monitoring system working in conjunction with the United Nations Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation.

Formerly the co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council on AI and Robotics, as a current member of the Global AI Council, he promotes discussions on achieving positive futures with AI. A distinguished expert on machine learning, probabilistic reasoning, multitarget tracking, computer vision, real-time decision-making and inverse reinforcement learning, Stuart has co-authored the standard AI textbook, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, used by over 1500 universities in 135 countries to educate students on AI. He is also widely cited, with hundreds of published journal articles.

As a thought leader on AI, Stuart sits on multiple boards, including the Scientific Advisory Board for the Future of Life Institute and the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk. He was recently featured in the documentary, Do You Trust This Computer and has won prestigious awards, such as the IJCAI Computers and Thought Award, the Mitchell Prize and the World Technology Award. Moreover, in 2021, he was awarded an OBE for services to artificial intelligence research. One of the most captivating AI speakers in the industry, Stuart is outspoken about the risks of unregulated AI whilst also acknowledging and highlighting the positive future AI can create. Book Stuart Russell for speaking engagements now!