Roman Yampolskiy

Roman Yampolskiy is a world renowned computer scientist, artificial intelligence safety expert and cybersecurity specialist whose pioneering research has positioned him among the foremost authorities on the risks and governance of advanced AI systems. Widely recognised for helping shape the global conversation around safe AI development, Roman is credited by many with coining the term “AI Safety” through a landmark publication in 2011. Combining deep technical expertise with an ability to explain highly complex concepts in an accessible way, he has become one of the world’s most sought after keynote speakers on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and existential risk, helping organisations understand both the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing technologies.

After earning both an Associate of Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science, Roman began his career as a Network Administrator at Dhoerty Real Estate before joining the Laboratory for Applied Computing at the Rochester Institute of Technology as a Research Assistant. He later completed a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo, further establishing his expertise in machine intelligence and computer systems. Following research at University College London’s Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Roman joined the University of Louisville as an Assistant Professor before progressing to Associate Professor. At the university’s Speed School of Engineering, he founded the Cyber Security Lab and became its Director, leading influential research into cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Alongside his academic career, Roman has built an exceptional reputation through his extensive publications and research. Beginning with his first book, ‘Feature Extraction Approaches for Optical Character Recognition’, he has since authored ‘Computer Security: From Passwords to Behavioural Biometrics’, ‘Game Strategy: A Novel Behavioural Biometric’, ‘Artificial Superintelligence: A Futuristic Approach’ and ‘AI: Unexplained, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable’. He also co-authored ‘Considerations on the AI Endgame: Ethics, Risks and Computational Frameworks’ in 2025. His contributions have earned him the Guardian Award from the Lifeboat Foundation for his work on existential risk, alongside the Outstanding Early Career in Post secondary Education Award and the Excellence in Science Education and Outreach Award.

Roman is hired as an AI speaker because he combines decades of technical research with thought provoking insights into one of the world’s most significant technological challenges. His presentations explore artificial intelligence safety, cybersecurity, governance, ethics and existential risk, helping audiences understand how advanced AI can be developed responsibly. Whether speaking to business leaders, governments, researchers or technology professionals, Roman delivers evidence based perspectives that challenge assumptions while offering practical frameworks for navigating an AI driven future. His unique ability to bridge academic research with real world decision making ensures audiences leave better equipped to understand, manage and prepare for the next generation of artificial intelligence.