Miles Brundage, a veteran policy researcher at OpenAI and senior adviser to the company’s AGI readiness team, has departed from the organization. His decision to move on has sent ripples through the AI community, given the significance of his role and the impact he has had on AI policy within a rapidly evolving landscape. In statements shared on X and his personal newsletter, Brundage emphasized that he believes he can achieve greater impact as a researcher and advocate within the nonprofit sector, where he anticipates more freedom to publish his work.
Background on Miles Brundage
Miles Brundage has been with OpenAI since 2018, when he began his journey as a research scientist. Over the years, he exhibited exemplary leadership and was eventually promoted to head of policy research, a role in which he oversaw critical initiatives aimed at shaping the responsible use of artificial intelligence. As part of the AGI readiness team, he was entrusted with ensuring that OpenAI’s advancements in AI technology aligned with ethical considerations and public safety.
Rationale for Departure
Brundage’s departure was influenced by his desire for a greater impact, specifically as a researcher and advocate outside of a corporate setting. He articulated a preference for the nonprofit sector, a domain where he believes he can more freely disseminate his findings and influence the broader discussion on AI policy. Despite acknowledging the challenges associated with leaving OpenAI—an organization rife with significant opportunities for high-impact work—he stressed the importance of independent research and advocacy efforts.
Immediate Organizational Changes at OpenAI
With Brundage’s exit, OpenAI is undergoing immediate changes. The economic research division will now report to Ronnie Chatterji, the new chief economist of the organization. Additionally, the AGI readiness team, which Brundage was a part of, is being phased out, and its ongoing projects are being reassigned within the company. Joshua Achiam, who leads mission alignment, will assume several of these responsibilities, reflecting a strategic shift in how OpenAI approaches its research teams.
OpenAI’s Response to Brundage’s Departure
An OpenAI spokesperson publicly endorsed Brundage’s decision, expressing optimism about the broader impact he could make in AI policy through independent research. The spokesperson conveyed a sense of appreciation for his contributions during his tenure, highlighting the potential for OpenAI to learn from Brundage’s future work.
Brundage’s Contributions to AI Policy
During his tenure at OpenAI, Miles Brundage focused extensively on the responsible deployment of AI systems. He took leadership on several key initiatives, including OpenAI’s external red teaming program, which aimed to identify vulnerabilities in AI models before they were deployed. Furthermore, he spearheaded the development of system card reports that comprehensively addressed the capabilities and limitations of OpenAI’s AI models, including widely recognized tools like ChatGPT.
Context of Departures at OpenAI
Brundage’s exit is set against a backdrop of several high-profile departures from OpenAI. Notable figures such as CTO Mira Murati and chief research officer Bob McGrew have left the organization, raising questions about the alignment of internal visions and the company’s strategic direction. Critiques from former employees have emerged, asserting that OpenAI appears to be prioritizing commercial interests over essential AI safety considerations, an issue that has become increasingly contentious in conversations surrounding the global impact of artificial intelligence.
Brundage’s Advice to Current OpenAI Staff
In light of his departure, Brundage urged current staff at OpenAI to actively voice their opinions and to avoid succumbing to groupthink. He emphasized the necessity for diverse perspectives within the organization, especially as it navigates the complex and often challenging decisions that lie ahead in the evolving AI landscape.
Conclusion
Miles Brundage’s departure marks not only a significant change for OpenAI but also prompts implications for the broader AI policy landscape. As Brundage transitions into independent research, his impact on AI policy is likely to be substantial, particularly as he aims to foster a dialogue around responsible AI usage. Furthermore, the ongoing shifts within OpenAI may lead to changes in how the organization executes its mission, highlighting a pivotal moment for both Brundage and OpenAI in the unfolding narrative of artificial intelligence.
FAQ
Q: What was Miles Brundage’s role at OpenAI?
A: He served as a veteran policy researcher and senior adviser on the AGI readiness team, focusing on effective AI policy.
Q: Why did Brundage leave OpenAI?
A: Brundage left OpenAI to pursue independent research in the nonprofit sector, where he believes he will have more freedom to publish his work.
Q: What changes will occur at OpenAI following his departure?
A: OpenAI’s economic research division will report to a new chief economist, and the AGI readiness team will be phased out with reassignments of its projects.
