Dr. Alan D. Thompson

Alan D. Thompson is a world expert in artificial intelligence (AI), specialising in the augmentation of human intelligence, and advancing the evolution of ‘integrated AI’. A former chairman for Mensa International’s gifted families, Alan applies a rigorous background in human intelligence to artificial intelligence.

He provides AI advisory to the majority of Fortune 500s, major governments, and intergovernmental entities including member states of the UN. In 2021, he created the complete database of large language models (Models Table), in 2022 authored the world’s most comprehensive analysis of datasets used for OpenAI GPT (What’s in my AI?), featured in the US Government’s economic research report on AI in 2023, and in 2024 launched two world-first documents: The Declaration on AI Consciousness and the Bill of Rights for AI.

His best-selling book, Bright, was made available to families at Elon Musk’s gifted school. A copy of the book was launched into space in 2024. Alan’s work is featured across international media in the fields of artificial intelligence and human intelligence, consulting to the award-winning series Decoding Genius for GE, Making Child Prodigies for ABC (with the Australian Prime Minister), 60 Minutes for CBS, and Child Genius for Warner Bros.

Alan completed his Bachelor of Science (Computer Science, AI, and Psychology) at Edith Cowan University, 2004; studied Gifted Education at Flinders University, 2017; became a Fellow of the Institute of Coaching affiliated with Harvard Medical School, 2017; and received his doctorate from Emerson, 2021. Alan’s dissertation was adapted into a book featuring Dr Rupert Sheldrake, Connected: Intuition and Resonance in Smart People.

AI + IQ testing (human vs AI)

World expert on AI, Dr Alan D. Thompson, presents the opening keynote at the 31st International Symposium on Controversies in Psychiatry, exploring advancements in generative AI and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs).

Dr Thompson will highlight recent advancements in generative AI models, particularly GPT-4, GPT-4.5 (which was used to write this summary from scratch after viewing the presentation rehearsal) and the upcoming GPT-5 model. These frontier models exhibit advanced cognitive and reasoning capabilities, along with significantly higher empathy, demonstrating a 9.8 times higher prevalence of empathetic responses compared to human physicians. Such AI capabilities present substantial potential for transforming patient care and psychiatric practice.

Following this overview of generative AI, Dr Thompson will briefly outline the history of brain-machine interfaces (also called brain-computer interfaces or BCIs), beginning with Hans Berger’s 1924 discovery of electrical brain activity and development of electroencephalography (EEG), and Jacques Vidal’s formalization of the ‘brain-computer interface’ concept at UCLA in 1973.

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) have begun delivering clinical benefits, notably in addressing disabilities such as blindness, paralysis, and brain damage. Further therapeutic applications currently under exploration include potential treatments for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia, as well as learning difficulties like ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorders. Additionally, ongoing research is investigating possible cognitive enhancements, including improvements in IQ, creativity, rapid information processing, and direct thought transfer. These advancements emphasize BMIs’ potential to substantially enhance patient outcomes and expand human capabilities.

The session will also feature cutting-edge examples of brain-machine interfacing, such as the Synchron Stentrode, an innovative ‘minimally-invasive’ interface already benefiting patients in Australia, and Neuralink’s invasive BMI advancements in the United States. Illustrated through the experiences of Neuralink patients Nolan Arbaugh and ‘Alex,’ the ‘Telepathy’ technology enables direct brain-based control of home, work, and gaming environments, significantly enhancing patient autonomy and quality of life.

Dr Thompson will examine BMI directionality, emphasizing the critical distinction between current ‘brain-to-world’ interfaces and emerging bi-directional technologies. In 2025, the latter promises to provide groundbreaking sensory input and interactive cognitive capabilities via an intention-feedback-response loop.

Lastly, the keynote will encourage reflection and key questions around the implications of these innovations on mental health, the nature of human consciousness, and ethical questions surrounding brain-machine interfacing. Participants will be invited to critically reflect on psychiatry’s evolving role within this rapidly developing landscape of integrated biological and artificial intelligence, now being described by many experts as 'humanity’s final invention.'

• Thompson AD (2020). Mensa: The new irrelevance of intelligence
• Thompson AD (2022). Integrated AI: The sky is bigger than we imagine
• Thompson AD (2022). Integrated AI: Endgame