James Whittington.

James Whittington

Principal investigator
Oxford University

James Whittington is a principal investigator at Oxford University, where he leads a group researching fundamentals in artificial intelligence and neuroscience. He holds degrees in physics, medicine and neuroscience—all from Oxford. He has worked at AI startups as well as big tech, and he now consults for various AI tech companies. Whittington is a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Thinking About Thinking, organizing its scientific agenda as well as the programs for several summits and conferences each year.

Explore more from The Transmitter

Two opposing arrows

European Research Council backtracks on stricter grant resubmission rules

The swift reversal came after more than 1,000 scientists signed an open letter protesting the rules last week.

By Lauren Schenkman
1 May 2026 | 4 min read
leech illustration

What leeches reveal about movement

After encountering setbacks in her study of the neuromuscular system in vertebrates, Lidia Szczupak turned to leeches to explore how the nervous system coordinates movement.

By Claudia López Lloreda
1 May 2026 | 5 min read

Novel assembloid illuminates serotonin changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion

The combination of a serotonin-producing organoid with an organoid based on the developing cerebral cortex offers a new way to investigate neuromodulation.

By Sarah DeWeerdt
30 April 2026 | 0 min watch