What Centre for the Study of Existential Risk does
The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) is an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Cambridge focused on the study and mitigation of existential and global catastrophic risks. CSER’s work spans multiple risk domains (including catastrophic climate risks, nuclear risks, pandemic/infectious-disease risks, and risks from emerging technologies such as AI) and aims to connect academic research with engagement for policymakers and other decision-makers. In 2023, CSER’s leadership and research programme expanded via support from the Future of Life Institute, including funding for a full five-year position for the centre’s Director from July 2023. CSER is also integrated into Cambridge’s Institute for Technology and Humanity (ITH), which frames the centre’s mission as studying existentially consequential harms from technological and societal transformations. Alongside CSER’s broader institutional research, CSER collaborates on the AI:Futures and Responsibility (AI:FAR) programme, which focuses on understanding long-term AI impacts, developing interventions, and working toward implementation through policy and partner engagement.