Associate Professor at the University of Louisville, One of The Most Viewed Guests on ‘The Diary Of A CEO’, Founder & Director of The Cyber Security Lab & Coiner of The Term ‘AI Safety’
Roman Yampolskiy’s Biography:
Roman Yampolskiy is a computer scientist, artificial intelligence safety researcher and cybersecurity expert who is widely recognised as one of the leading voices in the global conversation around AI risk. Best known for his pioneering work in AI safety, Roman is credited by many as having coined the term “AI safety” in a 2011 academic publication. As a researcher, author and commentator, he has become a prominent advocate for understanding and mitigating the risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence. Through his academic research, bestselling books and public speaking engagements, Roman has established himself as one of the foremost authorities on the long-term implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Roman’s academic journey began with an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Monroe Community College in 1998, followed by a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2000. He later earned a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from the University at Buffalo in 2004. During his early career, he worked as a Network Administrator at Doherty Real Estate before becoming a Research Assistant at Rochester Institute of Technology’s Laboratory for Applied Computing and later at the Centre for Unified Biometrics and Sensors at the University at Buffalo. Following doctoral research and work at University College London’s Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Roman transitioned into academia and research focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
In 2008, Roman joined the University of Louisville as an Assistant Professor before being promoted to Associate Professor in 2014. He is the founder and, since 2012, Director of the Cyber Security Lab within the Department of Computer Engineering and Computer Science at the Speed School of Engineering. His research explores AI containment, machine ethics, cybersecurity, behavioural biometrics and existential risk. Roman continues to contribute to global discussions surrounding the future of AI through academic research, public speaking and media appearances, helping organisations understand both the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing technologies.
Roman is the author of several influential books, including Feature Extraction Approaches for Optical Character Recognition, Computer Security: From Passwords to Behavioral Biometrics, Game Strategy: A Novel Behavioral Biometric, Artificial Superintelligence: A Futuristic Approach and AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable. He has also edited or co-authored major works, including Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security, The Technological Singularity: Managing the Journey and Considerations on the AI Endgame: Ethics, Risks, and Computational Frameworks. His contributions have been recognised through numerous honours, including the Outstanding Early Career in Post-Secondary Education Award, the Excellence in Science Education and Outreach Award and the 2025 Guardian Award from the Lifeboat Foundation for his long-term contributions to existential risk research and AI safety.
Why Hire Roman Yampolskiy?
Roman is hired as a speaker for his unrivalled expertise in artificial intelligence safety, cybersecurity and existential risk. Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading thinkers on the long-term implications of advanced AI, he provides audiences with thought-provoking insights into the opportunities, dangers and ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies. His ability to explain highly complex technical concepts in an accessible way makes him particularly valuable for business leaders, policymakers and technology professionals.
His profile has grown significantly through major media appearances, including his interview on The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, which became one of the podcast’s most viewed episodes, generating more than 17 million views within six months. Drawing on decades of research and academic leadership, Roman delivers compelling presentations on AI governance, technological disruption, cybersecurity and the future of humanity, helping organisations prepare for the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.
Roman Yampolskiy’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Roman Yampolskiy’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Received the Guardian Award from the Lifeboat Foundation in recognition of his long-term 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, examining the challenges of controlling advanced artificial intelligence.
- 2019 – Received the Excellence in Science Education and Outreach Award.
- 2019 – Edited Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security, a major work exploring the risks and safeguards surrounding AI systems.
- 2017 – Co-edited The Technological Singularity: Managing the Journey, examining humanity’s relationship with advanced technologies.
- 2014 – Promoted to Associate Professor at the University of Louisville.
- 2012 – Founded and became Director of the Cyber Security Lab at the University of Louisville.
- 2011 – Published research widely credited with coining the term “AI safety”.
- 2008 – Joined the University of Louisville as an Assistant Professor in Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Videos
Roman Yampolskiy’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Roman Yampolskiy is an exceptional choice for technology conferences, cybersecurity summits, AI forums and leadership events focused on the future of innovation. His expertise in artificial intelligence safety and existential risk positions him as one of the foremost authorities on the societal implications of advanced AI. Roman’s ability to challenge conventional thinking while providing evidence-based insights makes him particularly valuable for organisations seeking to understand emerging technological risks. He is highly recommended for audiences interested in AI governance, cybersecurity, ethics and future technologies.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Roman Yampolskiy’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Artificial Intelligence Safety
- The Future of Artificial Intelligence
- The Future of Work
- Cybersecurity and Digital Risk
How Much Does Roman Yampolskiy Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Roman Yampolskiy?
Roman Yampolskiy’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.