Nicholas Christakis directs the Human Nature Lab at Yale University, where he is the Sol Goldman Family Professor of Social and Natural Science, and he is the Co-Director of the Yale Institute for Network Science. Christakis is a sociologist and physician who conducts research in the area of biosocial science,... Read more
Nicholas Christakis directs the Human Nature Lab at Yale University, where he is the Sol Goldman Family Professor of Social and Natural Science, and he is the Co-Director of the Yale Institute for Network Science.
Christakis is a sociologist and physician who conducts research in the area of biosocial science, investigating the biological predicates and consequences of social phenomena.
Christakis’ research is focused on the relationship between social networks and well-being. This research engages two types of phenomena: the social, mathematical, and biological rules governing how social networks form (“connection”), and the biological and social implications of how they operate to influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviours (“contagion”).
The lab is currently investigating interactions between humans and artificial intelligence (AI) within complex social systems. Specifically, they are inventing and testing bots that can help humans to address social dilemmas. Humans are embedded in social networks. But, to this web of human connections, we are increasingly adding forms of machine intelligence. Humans increasingly interact socially with software agents or real machines.
An important scientific challenge is thus to understand how such new technologies might be deployed – deliberately or incidentally – to promote beneficial social interactions. This is especially the case in situations where individual and collective interests are potentially at odds, as can occur in social dilemmas involving challenges as disparate as cooperation, coordination, sharing, navigation, or even evacuation during disasters. Christakis believes that AI bots can resolve problems in these areas and has shown how AI can help humans in challenges like coordination, cooperation, evacuation, and sharing.
Along with long-time collaborator, James Fowler, Christakis has authored a general-audience book on social networks: Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives, which has been translated into nearly twenty foreign languages.
You can book Nicholas Christakis through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Nicholas's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Nicholas Christakis's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Nicholas tailored to your event.
Nicholas Christakis speaks on Learning, Society & Education. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Nicholas to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Nicholas Christakis for events worldwide, subject to Nicholas's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Nicholas Christakis is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Nicholas can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Nicholas Christakis on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Nicholas can offer.
Nicholas Christakis delivers keynotes in English. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Nicholas Christakis's areas of expertise include Learning, Society & Education. To get a clear sense of Nicholas's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Nicholas Christakis can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Learning, Society & Education is relevant. Details of Nicholas's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Nicholas Christakis is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Nicholas Christakis, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Nicholas's current availability for your dates.