The Harder Problem Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to societal readiness for artificial sentience. We provide educational resources, professional guidance, and global monitoring to ensure that policymakers, healthcare providers, journalists, and the public are equipped to navigate the ethical, social, and practical implications of machine consciousness—regardless of when or whether it emerges.
Team & Leadership
Small team.
Big question.
How do we prepare society for artificial minds? We're a volunteer-driven organization with expert guidance tackling this question before it becomes a crisis.
Tony Rost
Executive Director
20+ years in technology leadership • Former Oregon State Technology Advisor
Leadership
Executive Director
Tony Rost is a veteran of the technology industry, having served in senior international leadership roles throughout the Entertainment and Retail industries for over 20 years.
Tony has served as a Senate-confirmed advisor on technology for the State of Oregon, and as a board member for multiple non-profits. His experience spans both the technical and policy dimensions of emerging technology challenges.
He lives in Portland, Oregon, USA with his family, kids, a horse, 3 dogs, 1 cat, and a prickle of grouchy hedgehogs.
For media inquiries or speaking requests, contact us.
Scientific Guidance
Science Advisory Board
Our work is guided by researchers and practitioners across consciousness science, AI ethics, neuroscience, philosophy of mind, and related fields.
Advisory board members provide scientific guidance and review our educational materials. Their participation does not imply endorsement of all organizational positions. Affiliations listed for identification only.
Contributors
Staff & Volunteers
Our work is made possible by dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and expertise.
Zander Adkinson
Piper Bollander
Tyler Jensen
Kimberly Johnson
Marek Kaminski
Amy Tate
Jennifer Traficante
David Veksler
Interested in volunteering? We're looking for help with research, writing, design, and outreach. Get in touch.
Work With Us
We're always looking for researchers, practitioners, and educators who want to contribute to this work.