Resource Portal
Impactful engineering work we’re most excited about
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to significantly improve society. However, AI also comes with inherent risks, some of which are potentially catastrophic. Engineers may be well placed to contribute effectively to reducing the risk from advanced AI.
Pandemics pose a serious threat to humanity’s short- and long-term well-being, and warrant increased investment and effort in global biosecurity. Engineers may be able to contribute effectively to global biosecurity by developing the physical technologies and systems needed to prevent, detect, and respond to GCBRs.
Other important cause areas engineers could be well-suited to contribute to
Risks posed by nuclear war remain some of the most serious facing humanity today. Engineers can leverage their technical expertise to promote disarmament strategies through research, technical work, and becoming involved in policy.
You’re probably already very aware of human-caused climate change and its myriad socioeconomic consequences. Our take is a little different, we recommend that engineers who are interested in working on climate change pursue interventions that are potentially very effective but aren’t widely discussed.
The alternative protein industry aims to replace animal products with more sustainable and ethical alternatives due to concerns about the environment, animal welfare, antibiotic resistance and other factors. Engineers can play a vital role in solving technical challenges faced by the industry.
Civilisation resilience is concerned with both reducing the risk of civilisation collapse and increasing the capability for humanity to recover from such a collapse. Learn how engineers can contribute to improving humanity's resilience.
More ways to have an impact
New technologies have historically been a double-edged sword. Differential Technology Development (DTD) is a strategy that aims to slow down the development of potentially harmful technologies and speed up the development of beneficial technologies.
Progress Studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding and enhancing societal progress, investigating technological innovation, economic development, scientific discovery, cultural and social factors, innovation ecosystems, and historical precedents. It aims to identify the drivers of progress and formulate strategies to optimise them in response to concerns about potential slowdowns in technological and societal advancements.
Despite the huge medical advances and economic development of the past few centuries, in many parts of the world, large numbers of people suffer and die from easily preventable illnesses or live lives of economic hardship below the global poverty line.
Climate change collection
As climate change is such a complex problem, it is important to have a coordinated response across many different areas. As an engineer, your numerical skills and technical knowledge can be very valuable in other types of roles.
Carbon capture, removal and storage technologies are essential to most net-zero scenarios. However, these technologies are not yet mature and there are only just over 25 facilities operating around the world. Engineers can help scale up the industry.
Nuclear energy has been around for more than half a century and is one of the safest, cleanest, and most reliable sources of energy. A career in policy or advocacy is likely to be the most impactful in this area as an engineer.
You’re probably already very aware of human-caused climate change and its myriad socioeconomic consequences. Our take is a little different, we recommend that engineers who are interested in working on climate change pursue interventions that are potentially very effective but aren’t widely discussed.
Differential technology development collection
Nanotechnology is a field of research and development concerned with extremely small structures. It has the potential to be an extremely powerful technology, that could revolutionise manufacturing and material science. If nanotechnology were to rapidly develop, this would bring both potential benefits and also large risks.
Neurotechnological advances have been incredible over the past few years. Combined with AI, neurotechnology could become a force for good, but also comes with its associated risks.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to significantly improve society. However, AI also comes with inherent risks, some of which are potentially catastrophic. Engineers may be well placed to contribute effectively to reducing the risk from advanced AI.
Pandemics pose a serious threat to humanity’s short- and long-term well-being, and warrant increased investment and effort in global biosecurity. Engineers may be able to contribute effectively to global biosecurity by developing the physical technologies and systems needed to prevent, detect, and respond to GCBRs.