Allison Duettmann is a leading voice in the future of technology, best known as the President and CEO of the Foresight Institute. At the helm of this long-standing nonprofit, she guides programs focused on transformative fields including biotechnology, nanotechnology, neurotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Her work centres on building optimistic, actionable roadmaps toward a future shaped by ethical innovation and responsible governance. She is also the founder of ExistentialHope.com, a platform designed to inspire proactive thinking about long-term human flourishing, and co-produces TEDx EchoParks, fostering public engagement around frontier science and technology.
Her academic foundation includes a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of York, followed by a master's in Philosophy and Public Policy from the London School of Economics, with a concentration in AI safety. Early in her career, she served as a policy analyst in Colombia and conducted research for European think tanks, gaining cross-cultural experience in science policy and governance. Allison gained early recognition in the technology and futurism community through her contributions to major publications on AI coordination and future technologies, helping shape discussions around long-term risks and global cooperation.
In addition to leading Foresight, she has co-initiated several impactful initiatives, such as a prize for computer security innovation and another recognising achievements in longevity research. She supports multiple advisory boards and projects, spanning bioethics, AI alignment, and scientific research funding. Allison also contributes to steering committees focused on ageing biomarkers and has chaired numerous international workshops addressing the ethical development of advanced technologies.
As a keynote speaker, Allison is known for delivering powerful insights that connect complex scientific concepts with meaningful societal outcomes. She has spoken at some of the world’s most influential conferences, including SXSW, Effective Altruism Global, Consensus, and gatherings linked to the World Economic Forum and AI governance groups. Her topics typically include existential risk, responsible AI development, future-ready governance, and cultivating long-term optimism. Her TEDx talk, "Existential Hope, Why More Is Possible and How Now Is the Time to Get It", captures her mission to shift the narrative from fear of the future to hopeful, structured progress.
Allison Duettmann continues to shape conversations on how humanity can harness innovation without losing sight of ethical responsibility. Through her leadership, writing, speaking, and collaboration with global thinkers, she champions a thoughtful, coordinated approach to navigating transformative change. Her work empowers institutions, technologists, and everyday people to think further ahead, and to believe that a better future is possible through smart choices today. If you're looking for your next speaker, Allison is an exemplary choice who brings vision, depth, and real-world insight to every stage she steps on.
Allison Duettmann's Official Speaking Topics are listed below:
- Meta Tools for Accelerating Scientific Innovation
- Bio, Nano, Neuro, AI: Opportunities and Risks in Frontier Tech
- Charting Optimism: Steering Sci-Fi Futures from Existential Angst to Hope
- From AI to AGI: Reaping Rewards, Navigating Risks
2024 – Keynote speaker at Consensus, SXSW, and World Economic Forum events.
2023 – Co-authored Gaming the Future on crypto tools for AI cooperation.
2023 – Speaker at Consensus and major global conferences on AI and governance.
2020 – Launched prizes for longevity and computer security at Foresight Institute.
2020 – Advisory roles in AI alignment, bioethics, and ageing biomarker initiatives.
2019 – President & CEO of Foresight Institute, leading work on transformative technologies.
2018 – Co-edited Superintelligence: Coordination & Strategy on AGI governance.
2017 – Founded ExistentialHope.com to promote long-term optimism and future thinking.
2016 – Began co-producing TEDx EchoParks events on science and technology.
2015 – Completed MSc in Philosophy & Public Policy at LSE, focused on AI safety.
2014 – Earned BA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from the University of York.
2013 – Worked in science policy roles in Colombia and European think tanks.
How to hire Allison Duettmann
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Allison Duettmann for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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