Sean O hEigeartaigh
@sean-o-h.bsky.social
Academic, AI nerd and science nerd more broadly. Currently obsessed with stravinsky (not sure how that happened).
Pinned
Sean O hEigeartaigh
@sean-o-h.bsky.social
· Mar 18
Extinction of the human species: What could cause it and how likely is it to occur? | Cambridge Prisms: Extinction | Cambridge Core
Extinction of the human species: What could cause it and how likely is it to occur? - Volume 3
www.cambridge.org
"Humans may be hard to wipe out, but that won’t stop us giving it our best shot."
My analysis of the most (and least) likely causes of human extinction of those that have received serious academic attention. Open access.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
My analysis of the most (and least) likely causes of human extinction of those that have received serious academic attention. Open access.
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Extremely excited to launch this report; the second report from World Internet Conference's International AI Governance Programme that I co-Chair with Yi Zeng. It goes further than any similar report I've seen in recommending robust governance interventions 1/4
www.wicinternet.org/pdf/Advancin...
www.wicinternet.org/pdf/Advancin...
www.wicinternet.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Extremely excited to launch this report; the second report from World Internet Conference's International AI Governance Programme that I co-Chair with Yi Zeng. It goes further than any similar report I've seen in recommending robust governance interventions 1/4
www.wicinternet.org/pdf/Advancin...
www.wicinternet.org/pdf/Advancin...
Pleased to have a new paper in Internationale Politik, in which I call for
(a) more of a global conversation around AGI and superintelligence.
(b) 'middle powers' to start exerting themselves in the global conversation.
internationalepolitik.de/de/goldene-z...
(a) more of a global conversation around AGI and superintelligence.
(b) 'middle powers' to start exerting themselves in the global conversation.
internationalepolitik.de/de/goldene-z...
Goldene Zukunft mit roten Linien
Die Aussichten auf eine Superintelligenz sind nicht nur positiv. Über Gefahren und düstere Prognosen aber gibt es keine breite Debatte.
internationalepolitik.de
November 4, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Pleased to have a new paper in Internationale Politik, in which I call for
(a) more of a global conversation around AGI and superintelligence.
(b) 'middle powers' to start exerting themselves in the global conversation.
internationalepolitik.de/de/goldene-z...
(a) more of a global conversation around AGI and superintelligence.
(b) 'middle powers' to start exerting themselves in the global conversation.
internationalepolitik.de/de/goldene-z...
Thoroughly enjoyed this speech by the excellent Matt Clifford. Much of it is also relevant to Ireland, where it pairs well with John Collison's overlapping-in-diagnosis&recommendations Irish Times article from the previous week (link in comment).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=McMt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=McMt...
Matt Clifford: LFG Make or Break full speech
YouTube video by Looking For Growth
www.youtube.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed this speech by the excellent Matt Clifford. Much of it is also relevant to Ireland, where it pairs well with John Collison's overlapping-in-diagnosis&recommendations Irish Times article from the previous week (link in comment).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=McMt...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=McMt...
I cowrote this paper w a great team of Chinese and UK colleagues in 2019/20. Just noticed it's had by far its most citations this year. An indicator, I hope, that the appetite for international cooperation on AI safety & governance is stronger than ever.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Overcoming Barriers to Cross-cultural Cooperation in AI Ethics and Governance - Philosophy & Technology
Achieving the global benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) will require international cooperation on many areas of governance and ethical standards, while allowing for diverse cultural perspectives...
link.springer.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:51 PM
I cowrote this paper w a great team of Chinese and UK colleagues in 2019/20. Just noticed it's had by far its most citations this year. An indicator, I hope, that the appetite for international cooperation on AI safety & governance is stronger than ever.
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Excited to head to Beijing tomorrow for an action-packed week. Launching an international cooperation network with my friend and colleague Yi Zeng; participating in a frontier AI Safety and Governance forum; and presenting on my cooperation/competition work at a Tsinghua Roundtable.
October 24, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Excited to head to Beijing tomorrow for an action-packed week. Launching an international cooperation network with my friend and colleague Yi Zeng; participating in a frontier AI Safety and Governance forum; and presenting on my cooperation/competition work at a Tsinghua Roundtable.
Because there's more happening (and more in need of philanthropic support!) than AI risk, check out this great writeup by Mike Cassidy and Lara Mani on their volcanic risk work and charity - innovative and neglected.
forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/jAcCjF...
forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/jAcCjF...
Introducing: the Global Volcano Risk Alliance charity & Linkpost: 'When sleeping volcanoes wake' (AEON) — EA Forum
We want to highlight two things in this post: …
forum.effectivealtruism.org
October 21, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Because there's more happening (and more in need of philanthropic support!) than AI risk, check out this great writeup by Mike Cassidy and Lara Mani on their volcanic risk work and charity - innovative and neglected.
forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/jAcCjF...
forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/jAcCjF...
Impactful job for the right candidate here. Based on my meetings and discussions, the UK government remains the one grappling most deeply with the implications of frontier AI and possibility of AGI, including the attendant risks.
jobs.lever.co/futureof-lif...
jobs.lever.co/futureof-lif...
Future of Life Organizations - UK Policy Advocate
The Future of Life Institute (FLI) is hiring a UK Policy Advocate to advise the UK government on its forthcoming AI bill. This experienced and connected policy professional will also make recommendati...
jobs.lever.co
October 20, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Impactful job for the right candidate here. Based on my meetings and discussions, the UK government remains the one grappling most deeply with the implications of frontier AI and possibility of AGI, including the attendant risks.
jobs.lever.co/futureof-lif...
jobs.lever.co/futureof-lif...
He made us all suffer the national indignity of That Elon Musk Bletchley interview, and didn't even manage to wrangle a job out of it? I'm never going to look at Dishy Rishi the same way again.
Rishi Sunak takes Microsoft and Anthropic advisory jobs on.ft.com/4mWjQtk
Rishi Sunak takes Microsoft and Anthropic advisory jobs
Former prime minister becomes latest UK politician to take Silicon Valley roles
on.ft.com
October 9, 2025 at 5:41 PM
He made us all suffer the national indignity of That Elon Musk Bletchley interview, and didn't even manage to wrangle a job out of it? I'm never going to look at Dishy Rishi the same way again.
I really enjoyed being part of this excellent discussion yesterday on the future of global AI governance, with Kayla Blomquist, Dan Fagella, Duncan Cass-Beggs, Nora Ammann and Robert Whitfield, skilfully Chaired by David Wood. Catch up with it here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADx...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADx...
Options for the future of the global governance of AI
YouTube video by London Futurists
www.youtube.com
October 5, 2025 at 12:52 PM
I really enjoyed being part of this excellent discussion yesterday on the future of global AI governance, with Kayla Blomquist, Dan Fagella, Duncan Cass-Beggs, Nora Ammann and Robert Whitfield, skilfully Chaired by David Wood. Catch up with it here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADx...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADx...
Important report. Given how long it takes/competitive it is to get tenure these days, too often academia basically asks women to choose between an academic career and motherhood, which is unacceptable. (There being ultra-capable subset who manage both doesn't make it reasonable). Needs to change.
Conventional wisdom says motherhood should wait for tenure as before you land a permanent post, #academia is just not that family friendly🙁
@carersinstemm.bsky.social are calling for change and to celebrate their new report, a Saturday🧵on parenting & academia! 1/9 👩🔬🧪🔭⚛️
ℹ️: carersinstemm.co.uk
@carersinstemm.bsky.social are calling for change and to celebrate their new report, a Saturday🧵on parenting & academia! 1/9 👩🔬🧪🔭⚛️
ℹ️: carersinstemm.co.uk
October 4, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Important report. Given how long it takes/competitive it is to get tenure these days, too often academia basically asks women to choose between an academic career and motherhood, which is unacceptable. (There being ultra-capable subset who manage both doesn't make it reasonable). Needs to change.
Well this was an interesting way to discover that my (considerate, charming) wife sometimes reads my social media posts.
October 3, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Well this was an interesting way to discover that my (considerate, charming) wife sometimes reads my social media posts.
As of today I am officially a Research Professor! I will be celebrating by having "Professor Seán: Doomometrics Studies" socks made, and submitting a paper tonight with some excellent coauthors that I hope will be a banger (in appropriate Research Professor fashion).
October 1, 2025 at 12:40 PM
As of today I am officially a Research Professor! I will be celebrating by having "Professor Seán: Doomometrics Studies" socks made, and submitting a paper tonight with some excellent coauthors that I hope will be a banger (in appropriate Research Professor fashion).
Privilege discussing AI and geopolitics with this year's CFI MSt cohort today. Every year's group somehow more impresssive and inspiring than the last. These people will make a difference.
September 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Privilege discussing AI and geopolitics with this year's CFI MSt cohort today. Every year's group somehow more impresssive and inspiring than the last. These people will make a difference.
Good role with the great team at the Bennett. We have a monthly research meeting that they join on geopolitics & AI, so if you take the job you can come argue with me (or, god forbid, collaborate) on AI and global cooperation vs race dynamis.
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/about-us/vac...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/about-us/vac...
Research Assistant/Associate - AI & Geopolitics Project (AIxGEO) - Bennett School of Public Policy
Department/Location: Department of Public Policy (Bennett School of Public Policy)Salary: £34,610 – £35,608 £37,694 – £46,049Reference: JB47334Category: ResearchDate published: 19 September 2025Closin...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk
September 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Good role with the great team at the Bennett. We have a monthly research meeting that they join on geopolitics & AI, so if you take the job you can come argue with me (or, god forbid, collaborate) on AI and global cooperation vs race dynamis.
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/about-us/vac...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/about-us/vac...
Meta are worried states will regulate AI to protect children (which states should) so they're going to buy the politicians. Last month, a California Super PAC, now an additional multi-state one. techcrunch.com/2025/09/23/m...
Meta launches super PAC to fight AI regulation as state policies mount | TechCrunch
Meta is investing 'tens of millions' into a new pro-AI super PAC called the American Technology Excellence Project to fight state-level tech policy that would regulate AI.
techcrunch.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Meta are worried states will regulate AI to protect children (which states should) so they're going to buy the politicians. Last month, a California Super PAC, now an additional multi-state one. techcrunch.com/2025/09/23/m...
"An international agreement on clear and verifiable red lines... should build upon and enforce existing global frameworks and voluntary corporate commitments, ensuring that all advanced AI providers are accountable to shared thresholds."
I was pleased to be a signatory of this.
red-lines.ai
I was pleased to be a signatory of this.
red-lines.ai
200+ prominent figures endorse Global Call for AI Red Lines
AI could soon far surpass human capabilities and escalate risks such as engineered pandemics, widespread disinformation, large-scale manipulation of individuals including children...
red-lines.ai
September 22, 2025 at 5:24 PM
"An international agreement on clear and verifiable red lines... should build upon and enforce existing global frameworks and voluntary corporate commitments, ensuring that all advanced AI providers are accountable to shared thresholds."
I was pleased to be a signatory of this.
red-lines.ai
I was pleased to be a signatory of this.
red-lines.ai
I am delighted that Ireland will no longer have a Presidential candidate with a track record of rape and sexual and physical assault against women. Still sickened that the U.S. White House would choose to champion this man.
🇮🇪🚫 Conor McGregor has withdrawn from the Irish presidential race.
September 15, 2025 at 1:34 PM
I am delighted that Ireland will no longer have a Presidential candidate with a track record of rape and sexual and physical assault against women. Still sickened that the U.S. White House would choose to champion this man.
I had the privilege of teaming up w the fantastic Kristy Loke for this one, just out: Analysing China & USA's evolving strategies, and opportunities they present for cooperation on important things like safety even while maintaining healthy competition elsewhere. www.thewirechina.com/2025/09/14/c...
China isn’t racing to artificial general intelligence — but U.S. companies are - The Wire China
China’s AI strategy prioritizes long-term developmental goals, in contrast to Silicon Valley’s superintelligence pursuit.
www.thewirechina.com
September 15, 2025 at 12:09 PM
I had the privilege of teaming up w the fantastic Kristy Loke for this one, just out: Analysing China & USA's evolving strategies, and opportunities they present for cooperation on important things like safety even while maintaining healthy competition elsewhere. www.thewirechina.com/2025/09/14/c...
I wrote this paper because of repeated calls like this
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
September 13, 2025 at 8:12 AM
I wrote this paper because of repeated calls like this
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
Reposted by Sean O hEigeartaigh
GOOD NEWS: Despite RFK Jr saying he would cancel $500 million in mRNA research, the House Committee on Appropriations has passed a spending package, that includes $1.1 billion for “advanced research and development” at BARDA, which includes research on mRNA vaccines.
September 10, 2025 at 9:15 PM
GOOD NEWS: Despite RFK Jr saying he would cancel $500 million in mRNA research, the House Committee on Appropriations has passed a spending package, that includes $1.1 billion for “advanced research and development” at BARDA, which includes research on mRNA vaccines.
The ten biggest companies in the world by market cap:
The hardware players:
1) Nvidia 9) TSMC semiconductors (both in supply chain that produces high end chips).
8) Broadcom provides custom components for tech companies' AI workloads, plus datacentre infrastructure. 1/4
The hardware players:
1) Nvidia 9) TSMC semiconductors (both in supply chain that produces high end chips).
8) Broadcom provides custom components for tech companies' AI workloads, plus datacentre infrastructure. 1/4
August 30, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The ten biggest companies in the world by market cap:
The hardware players:
1) Nvidia 9) TSMC semiconductors (both in supply chain that produces high end chips).
8) Broadcom provides custom components for tech companies' AI workloads, plus datacentre infrastructure. 1/4
The hardware players:
1) Nvidia 9) TSMC semiconductors (both in supply chain that produces high end chips).
8) Broadcom provides custom components for tech companies' AI workloads, plus datacentre infrastructure. 1/4
It's always a reassurance to know that no matter how I've messed up at various points, I've never "fallen into a Russian agent's honey trap and betrayed my country and liberal democracy"-level messed up. Yet. It's a high bar, but one I'm determined to maintain. www.thetimes.com/article/402a...
Gardai set to brief state on ‘Russian agent’ in Oireachtas
A confidential report is imminent on a parliamentarian, known only as ‘Cobalt’, suspected of clandestine contacts with Russia’s intelligence services
www.thetimes.com
August 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
It's always a reassurance to know that no matter how I've messed up at various points, I've never "fallen into a Russian agent's honey trap and betrayed my country and liberal democracy"-level messed up. Yet. It's a high bar, but one I'm determined to maintain. www.thetimes.com/article/402a...
Deserving winners. They also neatly demonstrate the breadth of scholarship ongoing in CFI's masters programmes, from search algorithms influencing what news you get, to the question of whether future AI systems may surpass humans in moral status.
www.lcfi.ac.uk/education/mp...
www.lcfi.ac.uk/education/mp...
Huw Price Prize - LCFI
www.lcfi.ac.uk
August 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Deserving winners. They also neatly demonstrate the breadth of scholarship ongoing in CFI's masters programmes, from search algorithms influencing what news you get, to the question of whether future AI systems may surpass humans in moral status.
www.lcfi.ac.uk/education/mp...
www.lcfi.ac.uk/education/mp...
Interesting systemic risk/global risk paper from a diverse set of authors: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A systemic risk assessment methodological framework for the global polycrisis - Nature Communications
This paper proposes a framework to assess systemic risks that compound and cascade within and between systems. This emphasizes political economy and transformations, as well as trans-disciplinarity an...
www.nature.com
August 22, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Interesting systemic risk/global risk paper from a diverse set of authors: www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Had a lot of fun at LawAI's Cambridge forum discussing Europe's role in the AI/geopolitical Great Game. Great panel w/ GovAI's Markus Anderljung, Google DeepMind's Pegah Maham, LCFI's Christoph Winter & expertly Chaired by LawAI's Emily Gillett. Will hopefully have an article on this theme out soon!
August 17, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Had a lot of fun at LawAI's Cambridge forum discussing Europe's role in the AI/geopolitical Great Game. Great panel w/ GovAI's Markus Anderljung, Google DeepMind's Pegah Maham, LCFI's Christoph Winter & expertly Chaired by LawAI's Emily Gillett. Will hopefully have an article on this theme out soon!