OpenAI loses another lead safety researcher, Lilian Weng

Lilian Weng leaves OpenAI, marking another key exit amid AI safety concerns.

: Lilian Weng, the VP of research and safety at OpenAI, announced her departure after seven years. Her exit adds to the list of notable figures leaving the company. Concerns around AI safety and the prioritization of commercial interests have been cited as reasons for these resignations. Other prominent departures include Ilya Sutskever, Jan Leike, and Mira Murati.

Lilian Weng, VP of research and safety at OpenAI, announced her decision to leave the company after seven years, with her last day being November 15th. Her departure is part of a larger pattern of key members exiting OpenAI, including Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike, amid criticisms that the company prioritizes commercial interests over AI safety.

Weng's career at OpenAI included significant contributions, such as helping to build a robotic hand capable of solving a Rubik's cube and forming a dedicated safety systems team in 2023. Her team grew to over 80 professionals, despite rising concerns about OpenAI's commitment to safety in developing advanced AI systems.

The company has faced internal and external criticism regarding the handling of AI safety. Several researchers and executives, including Miles Brundage and Suchir Balaji, have expressed dissatisfaction with the company's direction. Some former employees have moved on to competitors like Anthropic or started new ventures.

AI safetyOpenAI exitsAI Research