Google DeepMind promotes Iason Gabriel to Principal Scientist and Director at DeepMind Institute
The philosopher and AI researcher takes on an expanded role focused on artificial general intelligence, ethics and the societal implications of advanced AI systems
Iason Gabriel has been promoted to Principal Scientist and Director for AGI and Society at the DeepMind Institute
Google DeepMind has promoted Iason Gabriel to Principal Scientist and Director for AGI and Society at the DeepMind Institute, expanding his role in research examining the ethical and societal implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Gabriel confirmed the move in a LinkedIn post: "I've now been promoted to the position of Principal Scientist and Director (for AGI and Society) at the DeepMind Institute."
He joined Google DeepMind as a Research Scientist in 2017 and most recently served as Senior Staff Research Scientist, building a research portfolio spanning AI ethics, value alignment and the governance of increasingly capable AI systems.
His work examines these questions at several levels, from the alignment of individual AI models to social justice and the global distribution of AI's benefits. In his announcement, Gabriel described his recent publications as establishing "a liberal humanist and democratic vision for AI".
Reflecting on his research, he added: "My enduring hope is that AI can serve the best interests of humanity, be accountable to all affected, and elevate the condition of the worst off producing real benefit for all"
DeepMind Institute brings technical and societal research together
The promotion follows the establishment of the DeepMind Institute, a research and discussion platform bringing together contributors from Google DeepMind, Google and the wider academic community.
The institute aims to support interdisciplinary work examining the safe development of AGI, its potential benefits and the changes it could bring to society. Its research agenda includes AI governance, the behavior of autonomous agents, institutional responses to advanced AI and questions about human values.
The platform also draws on perspectives from the humanities, government and other disciplines beyond technical AI research. Contributions are intended to encourage debate and do not necessarily represent Google's official position.
Gabriel previously completed a DPhil in political theory at the University of Oxford, where he also held teaching and fellowship positions before joining DeepMind. His research has appeared in Nature, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and publications covering AI ethics and governance.
He takes up the Principal Scientist position in October 2026, continuing his work on AGI and Society through the DeepMind Institute.
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