Neil Lawrence

Neil Lawrence is a prominent AI expert and one of the foremost voices in machine learning, currently serving as the DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge. A dynamic speaker and thought leader, Neil brings both academic rigour and hands-on industry experience to his discussions on artificial intelligence, from its technical underpinnings to its transformative impact on society. His work bridges research and real-world application, making him a sought-after speaker for audiences keen to understand the future of AI.

Neil’s path to becoming a leading AI figure began with a robust academic foundation, holding roles at prestigious institutions like the University of Manchester and Sheffield. His early career saw him as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, followed by over a decade at the University of Sheffield, where he developed key research in machine learning. His foundational work in probabilistic modelling and Gaussian processes laid the groundwork for innovations that are now central to modern AI.

More recently, Neil served as Director of Machine Learning at Amazon, where he led teams in applying AI to optimise Amazon’s supply chain and core systems. Since joining Cambridge in 2019, Neil has also spearheaded AI@Cam, the university’s flagship AI mission aimed at uniting research, policy, and industry. His role as a Senior AI Fellow at The Alan Turing Institute and his appointment to the UK’s AI Council further underline his commitment to advancing ethical and impactful AI. He also delivered a TEDx Talk entitled “Living Together: Mind and Machine Intelligence”, exploring the interrelation between human and computer intelligence.

Neil is in demand as a speaker because of his unique perspective, merging deep technical expertise with insight into the broader implications of AI. His clear communication style and his experience in both industry and academia make him an ideal speaker for audiences looking to grasp the potential—and responsibilities—of artificial intelligence. When hired as a keynote speaker, Neil receives an average official client rating of 9.3/10 for his insightful and engaging presentations on AI. An expert in all things machine learning and AI-related, Neil Lawrence is a powerhouse speaker that you should consider booking immediately!

A distinguished expert in the implications of deploying AI, Neil Lawrence was officially inducted to the world’s top voted 20 keynote speakers on AI.