Entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist Carl Feinberg thinks a lot about high energy particle physics and about the existential threats that could end the world. Although he built his fortune developing software for global markets, his fascination with physics and science has given him both a deep appreciation for fundamental research and a vivid appreciation of the Earth’s and civilisation’s vulnerabilities.  

“Disasters are inevitable,” said Carl. “For example, I’m concerned a flood or solar flare could take out the electric grid in a whole region. There are so many things that could go catastrophically wrong. Pandemics, AI run amok, nuclear confrontations, and climate change, for which we’re just getting a sneak preview."

Carl believes supporting science is one of the best lines of defence. “Academic luminaries are often brilliant, some almost magically so".

It was his deep respect for his friend Professor Lord Martin Rees, one of Cambridge’s most distinguished scientists and the Astronomer Royal, that introduced Carl to the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER), which Professor Rees co-founded ten years ago. Carl’s appreciation for Professor Rees and CSER’s focus on understanding, predicting, and mitigating global threats led him to want to support the Centre’s work. 

“I’ve become increasingly concerned about the risks to civilisation, and here was an opportunity to deal with it, however modestly. I was glad to be in a position to nurture the discipline in the hope (and expectation) it will have an impact.”

Carl began discussions with former CSER Director Professor Matt Connelly and Professor Rees about the best way to support CSER. This resulted in conversations with Cambridge in America (CAm) and CAm’s Senior Director of Development, Sean Moriarty, which ultimately led to establishing the Rees Feinberg Professor of Global Risk within CSER with a multi-million-dollar endowment. 

Speaking about his gift, Carl said: “I hope it will enable CSER to continue what it’s doing and maybe even expand its scope somewhat. It’s crucially important, and I want, to the extent that I can with funding, to amplify CSER’s capabilities and impact."

“This donation is so important because it’s a step towards establishing CSER as a permanent feature of the University,” said Professor Rees. “There are only a few places in the world which are doing this sort of thing. The risks are getting larger all the time.”   

Professor S.M. Amadae, a renowned political scientist at the University of Helsinki, with a research focus on nuclear war and security, climate change and collective action, and AI’s impact on humanity’s ability to govern catastrophic risks, joined CSER as Director in March. She views this gift of an endowed professorship as a turning point for CSER. “This gift will allow us to gain additional momentum. It’s a moment, it’s a springboard. It’s a foundational gift, but it’s also a moment at which we can accelerate, generating support at that level matching Carl Feinberg’s generosity,” said Professor Amadae.

Making this gift in support of CSER has fulfilled a deep wish in Carl to make a lasting difference and aligns with his giving priorities.

“The theme of my philanthropy has consistently been investments in civilisation. I support theoretical physics to advance civilisation and support CSER to help preserve it. My intent and hope are CSER will further the recognition of existential threats and make provisions to create some degree of resiliency. We have to prepare because the world is ill-equipped to deal with these threats right now.”