Foresight Institute

At our recent Space Futures & Governance Workshop, Alex Gilbert, Director of Space & Planetary Regulation at Zeno Power, presented a comprehensive overview of nuclear technologies for space exploration. Gilbert outlined two key approaches: * Radioisotope systems for distributed power needs (watts to kilowatts) * Fission reactors for larger power requirements (megawatts) These technologies are critical for surviving lunar nights, powering Mars rovers, and enabling deep space missions. With several missions planned for launch in the next 12 months, including NASA's Dragonfly and ESA's Rosalind Franklin rover, we're entering a new era of space nuclear applications. Watch the full presentation to learn about the regulatory landscape, supply chain developments, and the path to commercialization of space nuclear technologies. View the recording: https://lnkd.in/dNTiw86u

Paolo Pino from Volta Space Technologies presented key research on lunar power standards at our recent Space Futures & Governance Workshop, in collaboration with Open Lunar Foundation. His talk explores critical challenges in developing power standards for lunar infrastructure, drawing parallels with Earth's power grid coordination challenges. Paolo examines how early standardization could reduce costs and increase mission reliability, while enabling collaboration between different space organizations. The presentation highlights eight key technical areas where standards will be essential, and discusses what drives their adoption. Paolo proposes a framework for tracking and implementing these standards transparently to accelerate sustainable lunar infrastructure development. Watch the full presentation here: https://lnkd.in/dgAzEQak

Foresight Institute hosted the Molecular Systems Engineering Platform Launch and Nanomachines Workshop this last October brought together leading scientists and technologists to advance functional nanomachines. The event marked the launch of MSEP.one, a free, open-source design environment developed with initial support from Astera Institute. This platform enables the design, simulation, and visualization of molecular machine systems. Watch our highlight reel showcasing key moments from the workshop, where experts explored methods for designing, constructing, and validating nanomachines to solve real-world challenges. See the full highlight reel: https://lnkd.in/dfkNt3QX Learn more about the workshop: https://lnkd.in/dAnJbfQq We thank Astera Institute and all participants for advancing the field of molecular machines.

Roland Pihlakas, MSc in psychology and experienced AI software engineer, presented a fascinating seminar on biologically and economically aligned multi-objective multi-agent AI safety benchmarks at Foresight’s Intelligent Cooperation seminar series. The seminar explored fundamental principles from biology and economics in AI alignment, introducing novel benchmark environments for measuring machine learning algorithms and AI agents' performance in relation to biological and economic alignment. Key topics covered: * The School Bus Metaphor for understanding AI objectives * Homeostasis and Multiple Objectives in AI systems * Etelop Benchmarks implementation and features * Future directions in population dynamics * Treacherous turn and alignment score considerations Roland brings nearly 20 years of experience working on multi-objective value problems and has followed AI Safety discussions since 2006. His work focuses on modeling innate learning and planning mechanisms that form the foundation for culturally acquired language-based thought processes. Watch the full seminar here: https://lnkd.in/d8UMKJEE

As 2024 draws to a close, Foresight Institute reflects on a year of accelerating technological progress: - Distributed ~$1.5M in AI Safety grant funding - Supported 43 fellows working on frontier technologies - Hosted Eric Drexler's Molecular Systems Engineering Platform Launch - Organized 6 workshops advancing bio, nano, neuro, space & AI - Delivered 50+ technical seminars - Awarded the Feynman Prizes for Nanotechnology and Norm Hardy Prize for security - Convened 400+ experts at Vision Weekends in Europe and USA Looking ahead to 2025, we're launching our most ambitious initiative: The Foresight Grants in Bio, Nano, Neuro - providing rapid funding for breakthrough projects. Your support matters more than ever - all donations up to $45,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar through December 31st. Join our community of supporters advancing critical technologies for flourishing futures. Donate and learn more: https://lnkd.in/dAgFhU7V

Vision Weekend USA brought the future into focus with three remarkable days of innovation, collaboration, and discovery. From groundbreaking presentations to dynamic unconference sessions, the event sparked new possibilities across bio, nano, neuro, AI, and space technologies. Our community of researchers, builders, and funders came together at The Institute, Internet Archive, Future House, and Lighthaven to explore paths to progress and shape beneficial futures through science and technology.

Vision Weekend Puerto Rico brings together innovators driving progress across multiple fields this February 21-23, 2025. Connect with leaders including: Yuri Deigin - YouthBio Therapeutics Jonathan Anomaly - CEFPE Michael Andregg - Fathom Radiant David Brandman - UC Davis Brittany Kaiser - Gryphon Mining Elizabeth Stark - Lightning Labs Hannah Rosenberg - Lightning Labs David Johnston - Lumerin/Morpheus Emilia Javorsky - Future of Life Institute Join us for presentations, unconferences, mentorship sessions, and special events in historic Old San Juan as we explore paths to progress in longevity, molecular machines, neurotech, AI, space and more. Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/da9jdncf

Roman Bauer, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Computer Science, University of Surrey, recently presented his interdisciplinary work on computational modeling in biomedicine at our Longevity seminar series. Dr. Bauer explores three key areas: - Age-related conditions of the brain and novel analysis methods - Modeling of brain development using modern computing approaches - Applications in cryopreservation research His work at the ComByNe Lab demonstrates how computational approaches can advance our understanding of complex biological systems, particularly in brain research and preservation techniques. Watch the complete presentation to learn about promising future directions in computational biomedicine: https://lnkd.in/dZyN2g_M

Vision Weekend USA brought together diverse perspectives and expertise under one mission: exploring paths to progress. Across three days in the Bay Area, conversations ranged from molecular machines to space exploration, from longevity research to artificial intelligence. Through technical presentations, unconference sessions, and evening gatherings, our community strengthened its commitment to developing technologies that create flourishing futures. Did you miss Vision Weekend USA? Join us for Vision Weekend Puerto Rico, Feb 2025 https://lnkd.in/dBs-Vnj8

Join us tomorrow for our Intelligent Cooperation Seminar featuring Abhishek Singh from MIT Media Lab, presenting "Decentralizing Machine Learning - a self-organization approach." Abhishek Singh is a 5th-year Ph.D. student at MIT Media Lab focusing on collective intelligence, self-organization, and decentralized machine learning. His research explores how to engineer adaptive networks to build anti-fragile systems. Prior to MIT, Abhishek conducted research in AutoML and Machine Learning systems at Cisco. His work spans machine learning, data privacy, and distributed computing. Date: December 18 Time: 10:00 AM PT Location: Virtual This seminar is part of Foresight Institute's Intelligent Cooperation program, bringing together scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs working to improve voluntary cooperation across humans and artificial intelligence systems. Register here: https://lu.ma/wdv71im8