Overview
Background
I’m an Associate Professor of Psychology driven by the goal of safeguarding humanity’s future through effective AI governance. My career began with a strong focus on evidence synthesis, meta-analysis, and knowledge translation in health, education, and leadership settings. This background honed my ability to tackle large, complex problems by integrating insights from multiple research disciplines, and by designing interventions that reach people at scale.
I now channel these skills into understanding and mitigating the risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence. Drawing on my experience leading large, multi-stakeholder projects, I use rigorous methods—from systematic reviews to agile-based project management—to generate robust, transparent evidence for policymakers and practitioners. Through roles such as Director at Effective Altruism Australia, I also contribute to shaping philanthropic and public policy strategies around AI risk.
Ultimately, my work aims to merge best-practice research with real-world solutions, ensuring that advanced AI is developed and governed responsibly for the long-term benefit of society.
Availability
- Associate Professor Michael Noetel is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), University of Sydney
- Masters (Coursework), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, Australian Catholic University
Research interests
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How do we do more good with our time and money (Effective Altruism)
How do we most effectively have a positive impact on the world? This stream of work involves helping people make better personal and policy decisions using reason and evidence. My approach integrates cost-effectiveness analysis, behavioural science, and education to address pressing global challenges.
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AI governance and existential risk
I investigate how advanced AI systems might threaten humanity’s future and what governance measures could mitigate these risks. My work focuses on existential safety, policy frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to align AI developments with human values.
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Mapping AI hazards
Through the Survey of AI Risks (SARA) and the MIT AI Risk Repository, I map known and emerging AI threats. This research identifies harmful capabilities, timelines, and possible interventions, guiding policymakers and technologists toward effective countermeasures.
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Scaling up behaviour change through online education
How do we more cost-effectively scale-up behaviour change? Can online-learning bridge the gap? If so, how do we design online learning to better change behaviour?
Research impacts
My research has delivered practical benefits by translating evidence-based approaches into scalable interventions—initially in health and education, and now in AI governance. Past efforts helped improve physical activity levels in over 50,000 school students, guided practitioners with evidence-informed teaching resources, and influenced national curricula. Building on this success, I apply the same high-impact framework to emerging AI risks, collaborating with policymakers, philanthropic organisations, and industry to shape safer AI systems. By providing clear, reliable evidence on governance strategies, I help decision-makers adopt effective standards and practices, ultimately mitigating societal harms and driving responsible AI innovation.
Works
Search Professor Michael Noetel’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Journal Article
Development and evaluation of the high-intensity interval training self-efficacy questionnaire
Eather, Narelle, Beauchamp, Mark R., Rhodes, Ryan E., Diallo, Thierno M. O., Smith, Jordan J., Jung, Mary E., Plotnikoff, Ronald C., Noetel, Michael, Harris, Nigel, Graham, Emily and Lubans, David R. (2020). Development and evaluation of the high-intensity interval training self-efficacy questionnaire. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 42 (2), 114-122. doi: 10.1123/JSEP.2019-0166
2020
Journal Article
The intersection of gender, social class, and cultural context: a meta-analysis
Parker, Philip D., Van Zanden, Brooke, Marsh, Herbert W., Owen, Katherine, Duineveld, Jasper J. and Noetel, Michael (2020). The intersection of gender, social class, and cultural context: a meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 32 (1), 197-228. doi: 10.1007/s10648-019-09493-1
2020
Journal Article
Impact of the “Thinking while Moving in English” intervention on primary school children's academic outcomes and physical activity: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Mavilidi, Myrto F., Lubans, David R., Miller, Andrew, Eather, Narelle, Morgan, Philip J., Lonsdale, Chris, Noetel, Michael, Karayanidis, Frini, Shaw, Kylie and Riley, Nicholas (2020). Impact of the “Thinking while Moving in English” intervention on primary school children's academic outcomes and physical activity: a cluster randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Educational Research, 102 101592, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101592
2019
Journal Article
Type of screen time moderates effects on outcomes in 4013 children: evidence from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children
Sanders, Taren, Parker, Philip D., Del Pozo-Cruz, Borja, Noetel, Michael and Lonsdale, Chris (2019). Type of screen time moderates effects on outcomes in 4013 children: evidence from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16 (1) 117, 1-10. doi: 10.1186/s12966-019-0881-7
2019
Journal Article
Using genetic algorithms to abbreviate the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport: a substantive-methodological synthesis
Noetel, Michael, Ciarrochi, Joseph, Sahdra, Baljinder and Lonsdale, Chris (2019). Using genetic algorithms to abbreviate the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport: a substantive-methodological synthesis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 45 101545, 101545. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101545
2019
Journal Article
The impact of physical activity on brain structure and function in youth: a systematic review
Valkenborghs, Sarah Ruth, Noetel, Michael, Hillman, Charles H., Nilsson, Michael, Smith, Jordan J., Ortega, Francisco B. and Lubans, David Revalds (2019). The impact of physical activity on brain structure and function in youth: a systematic review. Pediatrics, 144 (4) e20184032, 1-15. doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-4032
2019
Journal Article
The effects of vigorous intensity exercise in the third trimester of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Beetham, Kassia S., Giles, Courtney, Noetel, Michael, Clifton, Vicki, Jones, Jacqueline C. and Naughton, Geraldine (2019). The effects of vigorous intensity exercise in the third trimester of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19 (1) 281. doi: 10.1186/s12884-019-2441-1
2019
Journal Article
Joint physical-activity/screen-time trajectories during early childhood: socio-demographic predictors and consequences on health-related quality-of-life and socio-emotional outcomes
Del Pozo-Cruz, Borja, Perales, Francisco, Parker, Phil, Lonsdale, Chris, Noetel, Michael, Hesketh, Kylie D. and Sanders, Taren (2019). Joint physical-activity/screen-time trajectories during early childhood: socio-demographic predictors and consequences on health-related quality-of-life and socio-emotional outcomes. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16 (1) 55, 1-13. doi: 10.1186/s12966-019-0816-3
2019
Journal Article
School-based physical activity intervention for older adolescents: rationale and study protocol for the Burn 2 Learn cluster randomised controlled trial
Leahy, Angus A., Eather, Narelle, Smith, Jordan J., Hillman, Charles, Morgan, Philip J., Nilsson, Michael, Lonsdale, Chris, Plotnikoff, Ronald C., Noetel, Michael, Holliday, Elizabeth, Shigeta, Tatsuya T., Costigan, Sarah A., Walker, Frederick R., Young, Sarah, Valkenborghs, Sarah R., Gyawali, Prajwal, Harris, Nigel, Kennedy, Sarah G. and Lubans, David R. (2019). School-based physical activity intervention for older adolescents: rationale and study protocol for the Burn 2 Learn cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 9 (5) e026029, e026029. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026029
2019
Journal Article
Integrating physical activity into the primary school curriculum: rationale and study protocol for the "Thinking while Moving in English" cluster randomized controlled trial
Mavilidi, Myrto F., Lubans, David R., Morgan, Philip J., Miller, Andrew, Eather, Narelle, Karayanidis, Frini, Lonsdale, Chris, Noetel, Michael, Shaw, Kylie and Riley, Nicholas (2019). Integrating physical activity into the primary school curriculum: rationale and study protocol for the "Thinking while Moving in English" cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health, 19 (1) 379, 1-12. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-6635-2
2019
Journal Article
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a teacher-facilitated high-intensity interval training intervention for older adolescents
Leahy, Angus A., Eather, Narelle, Smith, Jordan J., Morgan, Philip J., Plotnikoff, Ronald C., Nilsson, Michael, Noetel, Michael, Hillman, Charles H., Costigan, Sarah A. and Lubans, David R. (2019). Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a teacher-facilitated high-intensity interval training intervention for older adolescents. Pediatric Exercise Science, 31 (1), 107-117. doi: 10.1123/pes.2018-0039
2019
Journal Article
Mindfulness and acceptance approaches to sporting performance enhancement: a systematic review
Noetel, Michael, Ciarrochi, Joseph, Van Zanden, Brooke and Lonsdale, Chris (2019). Mindfulness and acceptance approaches to sporting performance enhancement: a systematic review. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 12 (1), 139-175. doi: 10.1080/1750984X.2017.1387803
2018
Journal Article
Ahead of the game protocol: a multi-component, community sport-based program targeting prevention, promotion and early intervention for mental health among adolescent males
Vella, Stewart A., Swann, Christian, Batterham, Marijka, Boydell, Katherine M., Eckermann, Simon, Fogarty, Andrea, Hurley, Diarmuid, Liddle, Sarah K., Lonsdale, Chris, Miller, Andrew, Noetel, Michael, Okely, Anthony D., Sanders, Taren, Telenta, Joanne and Deane, Frank P. (2018). Ahead of the game protocol: a multi-component, community sport-based program targeting prevention, promotion and early intervention for mental health among adolescent males. BMC Public Health, 18 (1) 390, 1-12. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5319-7
2016
Journal Article
Scaling-up an efficacious school-based physical activity intervention: study protocol for the 'Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers support Activity in Youth' (iPLAY) cluster randomized controlled trial and scale-up implementation evaluation
Lonsdale, Chris, Sanders, Taren, Cohen, Kristen E., Parker, Philip, Noetel, Michael, Hartwig, Tim, Vasoncellos, Diego, Kirwan, Morwenna, Morgan, Philip, Salmon, Jo, Moodie, Marj, McKay, Heather, Bennie, Andrew, Plotnikoff, Ron, Cinelli, Renata L., Greene, David, Peralta, Louisa R., Cliff, Dylan P., Kolt, Gregory S., Gore, Jennifer M., Gao, Lan and Lubans, David R. (2016). Scaling-up an efficacious school-based physical activity intervention: study protocol for the 'Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers support Activity in Youth' (iPLAY) cluster randomized controlled trial and scale-up implementation evaluation. BMC Public Health, 16 (1) 873, 1-17. doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3243-2
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Michael Noetel is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Improving decision-making and epistemics
"When we think about doing good in the world we usually think about solving specific problems, and doing so better than existing institutions and organisations. But you could also improve the world in a different way: by making it easier for key institutions and decision-makers to learn about the world and solve problems. This might involve helping people have better ‘epistemics’ – ways of gathering information and using it in reasoning – e.g. by helping people avoid common thinking errors, better evaluate expertise, or make more accurate predictions." 80,000 hours—Click for a longer rationale for why this topic might be important.
Click the linked title (or here) for an up-to-date list of project ideas related to this area.
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Building effective altruism
"Scared Straight is a program that takes kids who have committed misdemeanors to visit prisons and meet criminals to confront their likely future if they don’t change their ways. The concept proved popular not just as a social program but as entertainment; it was adapted for both an acclaimed documentary and a TV show on A&E, which broke ratings records for the network upon its premiere. There’s just one problem with Scared Straight: multiple studies have found that the program actually increases crime. The effect is so significant that the Washington State Institute for Public Policy estimated that each $1 spent on Scared Straight programs causes more than $200 worth of social harm.1 Research shows that many attempts to do good are like Scared Straight. But while many attempts to do good fail, some succeed, and the best are exceptional. One example of an outstanding opportunity is providing bed nets that protect people from malaria in sub-saharan Africa. The charity evaluator GiveWell estimates that a donation of <$2,000 to the Against Malaria Foundation will save someone’s life. But many people aren’t aware of the best ways to help others, and as a result, they miss opportunities to make a tremendous difference. Effective altruism is a growing social movement dedicated to using evidence and reason to figure out how to benefit others as much as possible. Promoting effective altruism means promoting the key ideas of effective altruism and growing the community of people who take these ideas seriously, and put them into action." 80,000 hours—Click for a longer rationale for why this topic might be important.
Click the linked title (or here) for an up-to-date list of project ideas related to this area.
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The psychology of reducing existential risk
"In 1939, Einstein wrote to Roosevelt: 'It may be possible to set up a nuclear chain reaction in a large mass of uranium…and it is conceivable — though much less certain — that extremely powerful bombs of a new type may thus be constructed.' Just a few years later, these bombs were created. In little more than a decade, enough had been produced that, for the first time in history, a handful of decision-makers could destroy civilisation. Humanity had entered a new age, in which we faced not only existential risks from our natural environment, but also the possibility that we might be able to extinguish ourselves." 80,000 hours—Click for a longer rationale for why this topic might be important.
Click the linked title (or here) for an up-to-date list of project ideas related to this area.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving adolescents' rationality to improve career decision-making skills and promote wellbeing
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Tangen
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Doctor Philosophy
Bridging the research-practice gap: Using implementation frameworks to scale evidence-based knowledge translation in healthcare
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Perceptions of Existential AI Risk to Inform AI Governance
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
AI Tutors As 'Metacognitive Pumps' For Learning and Calibrating Confidence
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Tangen
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Michael Noetel directly for media enquiries about:
- AI Governance
- AI Risks
- Artificial Intelligence
- Effective giving
- Screen time
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