Google DeepMind has appointed Henry Shevlin to a newly created Philosopher role, underscoring the growing importance of ethics and human-AI alignment in advanced artificial intelligence development. The role, beginning in May, will focus on machine consciousness, human-AI relationships, and readiness for artificial general intelligence.

Shevlin, currently Associate Director at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, announced the move on X, highlighting his focus on some of the most complex questions in AI today. He will continue his academic work at the University of Cambridge on a part-time basis.

This appointment reflects a broader industry trend, with companies like Anthropic also bringing in experts such as Amanda Askell to strengthen research in alignment and safety.

As AI capabilities rapidly evolve, organizations are increasingly investing in interdisciplinary expertise to address governance, ethical risks, and the future of human-AI collaboration.