Flourishing Intelligence Program (FLIP)
Oxford’s New Research Program Seeks to “FLIP” the Script on Artificial Intelligence by Putting Humanity and Consciousness First
The Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing at Linacre College, University of Oxford, is proud to announce the Flourishing Intelligence Program (FLIP).
Funded by a generous donation from the Cillo family, this innovative research program is led by Dr. Ruben Laukkonen, in collaboration with Prof. Morten Kringelbach.
In the global race for Artificial Intelligence (AI), the FLIP unites an interdisciplinary team of scientists spanning neuroscience, physics, computer science, philosophy, and contemplative studies, to answer one of the most pressing questions of our time: will this unprecedented technology diminish or expand human flourishing?
“The future of artificial intelligence must proceed with humanity in mind. A paradigm shift is needed to align our newfound technological powers with timeless wisdom and the science of human flourishing,” said Dr. Ruben Laukkonen.
In partnership with ICREA Research Professor Gustavo Deco at the Centre for Brain and Cognition (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona) and the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, the FLIP will conduct interdisciplinary research into the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human flourishing.
The research will be based on three interconnected pillars:
- The Human – Fundamental research into the brain, consciousness, and wisdom aims to uncover untapped innovations for AI and deepen our understanding of human flourishing.
- The Interface – Developing embodied, holistic, and human-centred ways of connecting with AI that enhance rather than obscure our relationship with our bodies, each other, and the world.
- The Artificial Intelligence – Designing AI architectures inspired by the brain’s remarkable efficiency, flexibility, and distributed intelligence, while embedding principles of compassion and wisdom from ancient contemplative traditions.
Through these pillars, FLIP aims to build a framework for flourishing intelligence: a world where humans and AI co-evolve in ways that enhance meaning, wisdom, and happiness.
“We believe a better understanding of the mind, brain, and consciousness holds the keys to human flourishing and a future of aligned technology for the benefit of all,” said Professor Morten Kringelbach
The Cillo family’s philanthropic gift enables the Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing at Linacre College, University of Oxford, to expand its pioneering work on human flourishing into this urgent and globally significant domain.
For more information, visit: https://theflip.ai
