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
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
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Balancing Promise and Peril: Public Communicationfor Responsible AI
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Natasha Matthews
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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
Red Lines: Intolerable AI Thresholds Informed by the Global Public and AI Experts
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Steve Lockey
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Doctor Philosophy
The Deception Dilemma: Balancing AI Utility and Safety in an Era of Advancing Capabilities
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Tangen
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding and Disrupting Sycophantic Influence in AI-Mediated Decision Making
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Tangen
Completed supervision
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2026
Doctor Philosophy
Improving adolescents' rationality to improve career decision-making skills and promote wellbeing
Principal 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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