What Forethought Research does
Forethought Research (operating as “Forethought”) is a UK-based, non-profit research organization focused on the transition to a world with superintelligent AI systems. Its stated mission is to research how to navigate this transition, with attention to both risks (including scenarios like rapid technological development, AI-enabled autocracies, and conflicts) and the pursuit of “really good futures.” Forethought describes an approach built around a small, focused team that works on what it considers some of the most important questions outside the current “Overton window,” and that shares findings with AI research communities, policy actors, and the general public.
The organization’s research portfolio emphasizes macrostrategy and technological forecasting—e.g., modeling or reasoning about the dynamics of “intelligence explosion” style progress, the sequencing of transformative AI impacts, and practical implications for governance. It also works on concrete technical/policy levers that could matter during a fast transition, such as model-spec design considerations, “AI character” (behavioral traits like honesty and cooperation), and work on credible communication between humans and advanced AI systems. Forethought also highlights related work themes such as AI-enabled changes to epistemics (how societies form beliefs) and preparedness for governance challenges that arise under rapid AI acceleration.
Organizationally, Forethought is registered as a non-profit company in England and Wales (company number 16156175), incorporated on December 30, 2024, with leadership including Max Dalton (Director) and multiple Senior Research Fellows and Research Fellows listed on its website.