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

Still no proof for facilitated spelling methods

A systematic review into whether the “rapid prompting method” or “spelling to communicate” can help autistic people express themselves comes up empty yet again.

By Brendan Borrell
21 May 2026 | 6 min read
Billboard reads Protect Life-Saving Science.

Oregon primate center scientists fight proposed sanctuary transition

A group of employees has launched a series of campaigns to advocate for their work and argue against the center’s potential transition to an animal sanctuary.

By Calli McMurray
21 May 2026 | 6 min read
When Autistic Kids Grow Up.

When autistic kids grow up

An autistic researcher’s paper called attention to a huge disparity in autism funding research between children and adults. It nearly derailed her life.

By Brady Huggett
20 May 2026 | 2 min listen