Miles Brundage is a prominent researcher and policy expert in the field of artificial intelligence, best known for his work on AI safety, governance, and the societal implications of advanced AI systems. He is particularly recognized for his tenure at OpenAI, where he led the "Preparedness" team, and for his subsequent founding of a nonprofit dedicated to AI auditing.
Here is a detailed breakdown of his career and contributions:
Early Career and Academic Background
- Education: Brundage holds a Ph.D. in Computational Social Science from Arizona State University. His academic background is interdisciplinary, combining computer science with social science and public policy.
- Early Research: Before joining OpenAI, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute. During this time, he focused on the long-term risks of AI and the governance of emerging technologies. He also worked at the University of California, Berkeley, and was a fellow at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk.
Key Roles and Contributions
#### 1. OpenAI (2018–2024)
Brundage joined OpenAI in 2018 as a Policy Researcher and quickly became a leading figure in the organization's safety and policy efforts. His most significant role was as the Head of the Preparedness Team, a position he held until his departure in late 2024.
- The Preparedness Team: This team was tasked with evaluating and mitigating the "catastrophic risks" associated with frontier AI models. They developed a framework for assessing risks in areas like cybersecurity, biological threats, and autonomous replication. This work was crucial in shaping how OpenAI approached the safe deployment of models like GPT-4.
- Policy and Safety Research: He was a prolific author of papers on topics such as AI governance, the malicious use of AI, and the need for external audits of AI systems. He was a strong advocate for transparency and for the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms within the industry.
#### 2. AVERI (2024–Present)
In late 2024, Brundage left OpenAI to found the AI Verification and Evaluation Research Institute (AVERI). This nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting external auditing of frontier AI models.
- Mission: AVERI aims to establish standards for AI auditing and to provide independent evaluation of advanced AI systems. Brundage's move to a nonprofit reflects his belief that third-party oversight is essential for accountability in the AI industry, especially as models become more powerful and integrated into society.
- Focus: The institute focuses on developing rigorous methods for verifying the safety, robustness, and alignment of AI systems, filling a critical gap that internal company evaluations cannot fully address.
Notable Perspectives and Impact
- AGI Readiness: Brundage has been a vocal commentator on the concept of "AGI readiness," arguing that both AI companies and governments are not fully prepared for the arrival of artificial general intelligence. He has emphasized the need for proactive policy frameworks rather than reactive measures.
- External Auditing: He is a leading advocate for the idea that AI companies cannot be trusted to evaluate their own systems without external checks. His work at AVERI is a direct response to this perceived gap in the ecosystem.
- Influence on Policy: His research has influenced discussions at the highest levels of government and industry, contributing to the global conversation on how to regulate and govern AI safely.
Legacy and Current Status
Miles Brundage is considered a pivotal figure in the AI safety movement. His transition from a major industry player (OpenAI) to a nonprofit founder (AVERI) highlights the growing importance of independent oversight in the field. As of 2026, he continues to be a leading voice in AI policy, focusing on the practical tools and standards needed to ensure that advanced AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly.