Stuart Russell is the first computer scientist to be selected as a BBC Reith Lecturer. Russell will deliver four lectures across UK to discuss his views on AI.

The lectures will examine what Russell will argue is the most profound change in human history as the world becomes increasingly reliant on super-powerful AI. Examining the impact of AI on jobs, military conflict and human behavior, Russell will argue that our current approach to AI is wrong and that if we continue down this path, we will have less and less control over AI at the same time as it has an increasing impact on our lives. How can we ensure machines do the right thing? The lectures will suggest a way forward based on a new model for AI, one based on machines that learn about and defer to human preferences.

The series of lectures will be held in four locations across the UK; Newcastle, Edinburgh, Manchester and London and will be broadcast on Radio 4 and the World Service as well as available on BBC Sounds. Accompanying the lectures, Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry will explore the themes of the lectures in a complementary Radio 4 series.

The lectures will be chaired by presenter, journalist and author, Anita Anand.

For more information about the lectures and purchasing tickets, please visit here.