Roman Yampolskiy is a world-renowned computer scientist known for his expertise in artificial intelligence safety and cybersecurity. Recognised as one of the leading voices on the risks and governance of advanced AI systems, he combines deep technical expertise with thought-provoking insights into the future of technology. Roman shares his expertise through publications and media, leading to his being considered the coiner of the term "AI Safety" in a 2011 publication. With artificial intelligence becoming a more prominent topic by the day, Roman's profile has expanded through an appearance on Steven Bartlett's 'The Diary of a CEO' podcast with the episode "The AI Safety Expert: These Are The Only 5 Jobs That Will Remain in 2030!", where he became one of the most viewed guests with over 17 million views in six months.
Roman has always had a passion for computer science, having earned an Associate of Science and a Master of Science in computer science. After gaining real-world experience as a Network Administrator at Dhoerty Real Estate, followed by working as a Research Assistant at the Laboratory for Applied Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology, he gained his PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo. Following his doctorate, Roman spent time at the University College London's Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis before accepting a position as Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville in 2008. In the department of Computer Engineering and Computer Science at the Speed School of Engineering, he became the founder and, as of 2012, the Director of the Cyber Security Lab.
In 2014, Roman progressed to become an Associate Professor at the University of Louisville, where he works to continue his groundbreaking research and share his expertise through lectures and seminars. He further shares his knowledge through various books and publications, with his first authored book in 2007, 'Feature Extraction Approaches for Optical Character Recognition'. Following his publication debut, Roman went on to author four further ground-breaking books: 'Computer Security: From Passwords to Behavioural Biometrics', 'Game Strategy: A Novel Behavioural Biometric', 'Artificial Superintelligence: A Futuristic Approach', and 'AI: Unexplained, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable'. Additionally, he recently co-authored 'Considerations on the AI Endgame: Ethics, Risks and Computational Frameworks' in 2025.
Roman's exceptional career has not gone without recognition, as in 2025, he received the Guardian Award from the Lifeboard Foundation for his influential work in existential risk. Moreover, he has been recognised with honours, including the Outstanding Early Career in Post-secondary Education Award and the Excellence in Science Education and Outreach Award. Today, he is one of the world's most sought-after keynote speakers on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and existential risk due to his ability to explain highly complex topics in an engaging and accessible way. His passion for understanding the future of technology and what humanity must do to prepare for it makes him a leading keynote speaker.
Social Media
Books
AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable
Artificial Superintelligence: A Futuristic Approach
Game Strategy: A Novel Behavioral Biometric
Computer Security: From Passwords to Behavioral Biometrics
Feature Extraction Approaches for Optical Character Recognition
- 2025 – Received the Lifeboat Foundation Guardian Award for his contributions to existential risk research and AI safety
- 2025 – Co-authored Considerations on the AI Endgame: Ethics, Risks, and Computational Frameworks
- 2024 – Published AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable
- 2019 – Edited Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security
- 2019 – Received the Excellence in Science Education and Outreach Award
- 2015 – Published Artificial Superintelligence: A Futuristic Approach
- 2014 – Promoted to Associate Professor at the University of Louisville
- 2013 – Received the Outstanding Early Career in Post-Secondary Education Award
- 2012 – Founded and became Director of the Cyber Security Lab at the University of Louisville
- 2011 – Published research widely credited with formally introducing the term "AI safety"
- 2009 – Published Game Strategy: A Novel Behavioral Biometric
- 2008 – Joined the University of Louisville as Assistant Professor
- 2008 – Published Computer Security: From Passwords to Behavioral Biometrics
- 2007 – Published Feature Extraction Approaches for Optical Character Recognition
- 2004 – Completed PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo
How to hire Roman Yampolskiy
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