Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announces the appointment of Jaan Tallinn to its Board of Sponsors

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists announces the appointment of Jaan Tallinn to its Board of Sponsors

Bulletin Media Contact: Janice Sinclaire, jsinclaire@thebulletin.org CHICAGO – June 7, 2016 – The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has announced that Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn has been appointed to its Board of Sponsors. Chaired by theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss, the Board of Sponsors provides scientific and technological insights to the organization on a variety of matters, including the annual decision on whether to move the minute hand of the Doomsday Clock. Tallinn is a well-known innovator in information technology; in addition to Skype, he is also a co-founder of Fastrack/Kazaa. Tallinn holds a BSc in theoretical physics from the University of Tartu and is a former member of the Estonian President’s Academic Advisory Board, a co-founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge, and a co-founder of the Future of Life Institute. "Jaan Tallinn’s interest in the future of artificial intelligence (AI) strengthens the Bulletin’s knowledge base in this crucial and fast-developing area,” said Krauss. “Jaan’s view that society is not spending enough attention on potential threats from AI provides a solid starting point as we look ahead at dual-use technologies that will not only provide enormous benefits to humankind, but could also potentially wipe us out as a species.” Tallinn expressed enthusiasm for the work of the Bulletin over its 70-plus-year history and for his new role in the organization. “For nearly a decade I have seen it as my mission to ensure that AI research would yield positive long-term outcomes for humanity,” said Tallinn. “I’m thrilled that the Bulletin is putting its considerable weight behind this issue, and hope that I can help it to be a beacon of sober scientific analysis among often inaccurate and sensationalistic media coverage.” About the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists engages science leaders, policy makers, and the interested public on topics of nuclear weapons and disarmament, the changing energy landscape, climate change, and emerging technologies. We do this through our award winning journal, iconic Doomsday Clock, public access website, and regular set of convenings. With smart, vigorous prose, multimedia presentations, and information graphics, the Bulletin puts issues and events into context and provides fact-based debates and assessments. For more than 70 years, the Bulletin has bridged the technology divide between scientific research, foreign policy, and public engagement.