Princeton Professor Jonathan Mayer Appointed as DOJ’s First Chief Science and Technology Adviser and AI Officer

Jonathan Mayer, an assistant professor of computer science and public affairs at Princeton University, has been named as the first-ever chief science and technology adviser and chief artificial intelligence officer at the U.S. Department of Justice. In this newly established role, Mayer will offer expert guidance on intricate matters relating to technology, law, and policy, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Assuming the responsibilities of this position for a minimum of 12 months, Mayer began his tenure at the end of January, with plans to return to Princeton after completing his government service.

Mayer’s extensive expertise in the areas of technology, law, and policy and his dedicated research and teaching efforts within the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and the Department of Computer Science, as well as his role as a resident faculty member at Princeton’s Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP), have positioned him as an invaluable asset to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Having previously served in key technological and policy advisory roles, such as the technology law and policy adviser to Senator Kamala Harris and the chief technologist of the Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau, Mayer holds an A.B. from Princeton (2009), a J.D. from Stanford (2013), and a Ph.D. from Stanford (2018).

Mayer’s appointment reflects the ever-increasing significance of technology and artificial intelligence in law and policy. His advanced knowledge and experience in these fields highlight the critical role he will play in addressing the complex technological challenges faced by the government.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Mayer’s expertise and leadership in his dual role as the chief science and technology adviser and chief AI officer will undoubtedly be instrumental in advancing the U.S. Department of Justice’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and leveraging them to uphold the rule of law and serve the nation at its highest capacity.

In conclusion, Jonathan Mayer’s appointment represents a significant step towards integrating technology and artificial intelligence into the heart of governmental decision-making, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing the rapid evolution of technology.