Toby Ord
Toby Ord is a moral philosopher and Senior Research Fellow at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University, focusing on the big picture questions facing humanity. His current research focuses on avoiding the threat of human extinction, thus safeguarding a positive future for humanity, which he considers to be among the most pressing and neglected issues we face. Toby is the founder of Giving What We Can, an international society, and co-founder of the wider Effective Altruism movement, which has raised more than a hundred million pounds for some of the world’s most deserving causes. He is an expert on the potential threats and opportunities posed by advanced artificial intelligence over the coming decades. Throughout his career, Toby has advised on several organizations including the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, the US National Intelligence Council, the UK Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Office, and Government Office of Science.
Toby Ord Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Senior Research Fellow
Academic History
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D.Phil., Philosophy
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B.Phil., Philosophy
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B.A., Philosophy & B.Sc., Computer Science
Toby's current research is on the long term future of humanity, and the risks which threaten to destroy our entire potential.
His earlier work explored the ethics of global health and global poverty, demonstrating aid has been highly successful on average.
His research points out that we have potential to be even more successful if we were to improve our priority setting.
His work has been featured more than a hundred times in the national and international media.
ACTIVITIES
Effective Altruism runs projects such as Giving What We Can, 80,000 Hours, and the EA Global Conferences.
Giving What We Can is an international society of people committed to donating at least 10% of their income to help others.
He has provided advice to senior officials at 10 Downing St, DFID, the WHO, and other organizations.
The society’s members have so far donated more than $100 million to the most cost-effective programs and have committed to give more than $1.5 billion.
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
2020 The Good List - 10 Inspiring Philanthropists, Financial Times
2014 Alumni Rising Star Award, University of Melbourne
2011 Happy List, Sunday Times Rich List
2005 Jowett Arts Prize, Balliol College