Founding Director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University

Nick Bostrom is a Swedish philosopher and a leading thinker on the future of humanity. He is the founding director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford and founder and director of research at the Macrostrategy Research Initiative. Renowned for his work on artificial intelligence, ethics and existential risk, he has shaped global discussions on the long-term prospects of civilisation. His book ‘Superintelligence Paths, Dangers and Strategies’ became a New York Times bestseller, influencing policymakers and researchers worldwide. Most recently, he was named among the top futurism speakers to hire, reflecting his expertise and communication skills.

Credentials and Impact

Nick Bostrom is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in the AI, technology and futurism fields. His academic background is both extensive and interdisciplinary. He earned degrees in mathematics, logic and artificial intelligence at the University of Gothenburg, where he also completed a Master’s degree in philosophy and physics. He then moved to England, obtaining a Master’s degree in computational neuroscience from King’s College London and a PhD in philosophy from the London School of Economics.

Nick’s research examines the profound implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He is well known for exploring the concept of an intelligence explosion, in which robots or AI systems gain the capacity to improve themselves and ultimately surpass human cognitive abilities. His work addresses both the opportunities and existential risks posed by such developments.

Through his leadership, Nick and his team have engaged in campaigning for legislation that seeks to accelerate the safe and beneficial development of advanced technologies. His influence extends to policymakers, academic circles and the public, helping shape global strategies for ensuring that technological progress serves humanity’s long-term interests. This combination of academic authority and forward-thinking advocacy places him at the forefront of the futurism industry.

Publications and Media

Nick is a prolific author with over 200 publications, including the gold medal-winning, ‘Deep Utopia Life and Meaning in a Solved World’, Human Enhancement and Anthropic Bias. His most influential work, the New York Times bestseller Superintelligence Paths, Dangers and Strategies, has shaped global debate on AI. Twice ranked in FP’s Top 100 Global Thinkers, he combines caution with optimism about the transformative potential of machine intelligence.

Why Hire Nick Bostrom?

Nick Bostrom is booked as a speaker for his ability to combine deep expertise with exceptional communication skills. Known for engaging and thought-provoking presentations, he has delivered acclaimed TED talks such as ‘What Happens When Our Computers Get Smarter Than We Are‘ and ‘The End of Humanity‘, captivating global audiences.

His reputation is further reinforced by appearances at major events, including serving as a keynote speaker at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival. Recognised for his influence, he was named in 2009 on Foreign Policy’s list of the Top Global Thinkers. Through his clear explanations of complex ideas and exploration of both the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies, Bostrom inspires discussion among policymakers, academics and the public.

To book Nick to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.