Academic center · Science policy · Cambridge, United Kingdom · Est. 2012
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.
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S. M. Amadae spoke to Science Notes about the growing challenge of existential risks, including nuclear war, climate change, and artificial intelligence, and the need for greater global cooperation to address them. The post Science notes: “Perhaps this is the moral test of humani
Multidisciplinary teams seek ways to mitigate existential threatsPhysics Today has written an article about the work of centers addressing existential risk, including CSER. The article features Martin Rees and S.M. Amadae. “Nuclear winter, climate change, bioterrorism, AI. Those and other threats are growing in potential impact. What can we do
Is London shifting from nuclear deterrence to war-fighting?A new article by S. M. Amadae and Tom Stevenson in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, explores the UK’s changing attitude to nuclear deterrence and the wider implications for international security. The post Is London shifting from nuclear deterrence to war-fighting? first ap
Maurice Chiodo in the Media: AI Risks and GovernanceMaurice Chiodo has recently been featured in several international media outlets discussing the risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence and the importance of AI governance. His recent media appearances include: BBC World Service – Industry voices warn of AI ‘danger’ Reute
Vulnerability of the petroleum sector to volcanic hazardsA new paper by authors including Alana Weir shows how volcanic eruptions can damage petroleum infrastructure and cause major energy supply disruptions. The new models can help volcanic regions better understand these risks and improve preparedness. Abstract Volcanic eruptions can
No One is Coming Podcast: Pandemics Before Patient ZeroCharlotte Hammer featured on the No One Is Coming podcast about how pandemics start and what we can do to prepare for the next one. The post No One is Coming Podcast: Pandemics Before Patient Zero first appeared on CSER .
A Primer on Ethics in MathematicsMaurice Chiodo has released his course notes, “A Primer on Ethics in Mathematics”. This course covers the ethical issues that arise in mathematics itself, in mathematical work, and in the actions of mathematicians. Written by mathematicians, for mathematicians, and about mathemat
PhD studentships for projects funded by CAM-DTPAlexandru Marcoci and Charlotte Hammer have recently been awarded PhD studentships for projects funded by CAM-DTP. Since October 2024 CAM-DTP has supported around 30 talented doctoral students each year to undertake social science PhDs at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the Unive
CSER September 2026 NewsletterIn this Month’s Newsletter: September 2026 This month, CSER shares the recording of Professor Max Tegmark’s public lecture on building a safer future for AI, delivered at the opening of the Cambridge Conference on Catastrophic Risk 2026. The newsletter also highlights research on
25 September 2026: Training future thought and policy leaders in an age of complex risksThis event is part of the UTokyo-Cambridge Voices dialogue series. “Polycrisis” or “Permacrisis” are just some recent descriptions of the dire challenges humanity confronts today. How can CSER and GraSPP prepare students to play leading roles in a world of increasingly complex an
Cambridge in America news post (19 May 2025) describing Professor Sonja Amadae as new Director and summarizing CSER’s scope and role as a convener/knowledge broker advising policy actors.
CSER’s Cambridge Conference on Catastrophic Risk (CCCR 2026): call for poster submissions closes 17 May (needs-assessed bursaries available)Call for poster submissions for CCCR 2026, stating closure at UK midnight (BST) on Sunday 17 May 2026 and listing session themes including AI and emerging technologies, governance challenges, climate risk, nuclear weapons, and future pandemic preparedness.