Google and DeepMind establish new institute to study agi's societal impact

On September 16, 2026, the DeepMind Institute was launched, aiming to foster collaboration between Google, DeepMind, and external researchers to address the societal implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI). The initiative, led by Shane Legg as Managing Editor, along with Google SVP James Manyika and DeepMind Chair Demis Hassabis, seeks to make complex academic research on AGI accessible to the public and emphasize diverse perspectives. The institute's inaugural publications focus on economic policy for AGI, model reasoning transparency, global access, and human flourishing. This move aligns with growing calls for international cooperation on AI, including with the U.S.'s primary geopolitical rival. The institute's launch underscores the increasing urgency to explore AGI's potential impacts on society through a multidisciplinary approach.