In Greek mythology, Cassandra was given the ability to foresee the future, but cursed so that her warnings would not be believed.

Project Cassandra does not claim that ability. It does not predict a particular future for artificial intelligence, nor assume that the most dramatic possibilities will necessarily occur.

Instead, it asks whether humanity should begin preparing for profound changes before they arrive.

We do not need to predict the future to recognize the importance of preparing for it.

Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. Its capabilities are expanding, and decisions once requiring human judgement are increasingly being supported or carried out by machines.

Project Cassandra asks a practical question: if increasingly capable AI brings profound changes to employment, economic security, human autonomy and decision-making, what should humanity have put in place before those changes arrive?

AI offers enormous opportunities. It may improve productivity, accelerate scientific discovery, extend human capabilities and give people greater freedom from work that is repetitive, dangerous or simply necessary for economic survival.

But opportunity and preparation must advance together. People affected by change need support, responsibility must remain identifiable, and society must consider how the benefits of AI are shared.

Project Cassandra examines these challenges through human and social transition, knowledge and capability, governance and assurance, and the wider realities of an increasingly AI-dependent world. It goes beyond identifying risks to consider the practical preparations, institutional responsibilities and safeguards that may be needed to manage the transition, while recognising that detailed solutions will require further research and specialist expertise.

And it begins with the people who may be affected first.