Esme Young

Esme Young is a distinguished professor of cognitive science at the University of Melbourne and a visiting scholar at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Holding a B.Sc. from the University of Adelaide, an M.Res. from King's College London, and a Ph.D. from the Australian National University, her passion for understanding the intersection between technology and human cognition blossomed while she was teaching at the University of Queensland. With the support of a Fulbright Scholarship (2015-2016), Esme delved into artificial intelligence at MIT's Media Lab, where she explored the potential of AI in enhancing human cognitive abilities.

In 2023, Esme and her partner, who is also a researcher in the field of cognitive robotics, moved to Melbourne, where she has since established herself as a leading figure in the study of neuroethics. Her work challenges traditional views on how technology can shape our future and the ethical implications that arise from such advancements. Esme has served as the president of the Australasian Association of Philosophy and is a member of the International Neuroethics Society. She was awarded the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship in 2022 for her contributions to the field.

Esme has authored several influential books, including "The Mind Beyond: Cognitive Enhancement and Ethical Frontiers" and "Synthetic Selves: The Ethics of Identity in the Age of AI." You can find extended interviews with her on platforms like TEDx Talks and Future Thinkers Podcast, as well as in the feature article "Minds and Machines" by Emma Watson in Wired Magazine. Through her engaging talks and writings, Esme continues to inspire a global conversation about the role of technology in shaping human evolution and ethics.