How many people are working (directly) on reducing existential risk from AI?

Abstract

I’ve updated my estimate of the number of FTE (full-time equivalent) working (directly) on reducing existential risks from AI from 300 FTE to 400 FTE. Below I’ve pasted some slightly edited excepts of the relevant sections of the 80,000 Hours profile on preventing an AI-related catastrophe. We estimate there are around 400 people around the world working directly on reducing the chances of an AI-related existential catastrophe (with a 90% confidence interval ranging between 200 and 1,000). Of these, about three quarters are working on technical AI safety research, with the rest split between strategy (and other governance) research and advocacy. [1]We think there are around 800 people working in complementary roles, but we’re highly uncertain about this estimate.