Moran Cerf | Forttuna Global Advisory Board

Skills

Neuroscience & Decision Science Innovation & Behavioral Research Future of Technology & AI Ethics

About

Moran Cerf is a renowned neuroscientist, business professor, and speaker whose work bridges the worlds of science, technology, and human potential. He serves as the Director of the Lab for Advanced Technology and Human Performance at Columbia University and as an Academic Director in Executive Education. In addition, he holds the prestigious title of Alfred P. Sloan Professor at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AFI), reflecting his unique blend of expertise...

Company details

Columbia University

Company Bio

Columbia Business School at Columbia University is one of the world’s leading destinations for business education, research, and executive leadership development. Established in 1916 and located in the heart of New York City, the School sits at the intersection of academic rigor and real-world impact—bridging the worlds of business, innovation, policy, and global commerce.

With faculty that includes Nobel laureates, industry pioneers, and globally recognized researchers, Columbia Business School drives forward-thinking insights that shape how leaders navigate emerging markets, technology disruption, behavioral economics, sustainable systems, and the future of work. Its curriculum is built on the principle of Theory into Practice, empowering students and executives to apply cutting-edge knowledge to real business challenges.

As part of the Ivy League, Columbia Business School fosters a powerful global network of alumni spanning more than 150 countries, including CEOs, founders, policymakers, investors, and thought leaders shaping today’s business landscape. Strategic proximity to Wall Street, Fortune 500 headquarters, the United Nations, and global venture ecosystems positions the School as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration.

Columbia Business School continues to redefine leadership excellence—equipping individuals and organizations with the mindset, skills, and global exposure needed to thrive in a fast-changing world.

R.O.AI

Company Bio

R.O.AI is a next-generation AI automation and intelligence ecosystem designed to help organizations operate smarter, faster, and with greater strategic clarity. By combining deep learning models, predictive analytics, and workflow automation, R.O.AI supports enterprises with real-time decision-making, operational optimization, and scalable transformation. The platform eliminates inefficiencies, enhances accuracy, and enables leaders to unlock insights previously buried in complex data systems. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and usability, R.O.AI empowers businesses to accelerate growth, improve performance, and future-proof their operations in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

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About

At the core of his research, Professor Cerf studies patients undergoing brain surgery, analyzing data gathered directly from neural implants embedded deep within the brain. His groundbreaking work explores the mysteries of consciousness, dreams, behavior change, and decision-making, pushing the boundaries of how science understands the human mind. His findings have laid the foundation for several emerging disciplines, including advanced brain-machine interfaces, and have influenced major technological initiatives such as Neuralink.

Professor Cerf is also the Founder of Return on AI (r-o.ai), a professional services organization focused on the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Through this initiative, he helps organizations harness cognitive science to improve innovation, decision-making, and leadership performance. His insights have informed leadership protocols at the highest levels, including advising the U.S. government on critical decision frameworks such as nuclear command and control systems.

Before his academic career, Professor Cerf spent a decade in the cybersecurity field, working as an ethical hacker and later serving on the boards of several public companies. His multidisciplinary experience enables him to bring a rare perspective that unites neuroscience, business strategy, and behavioral design.

His research and commentary have appeared in leading academic journals such as Nature and Science and in mainstream publications including Scientific American, Wired, Forbes, The Atlantic, Bloomberg, and The New Yorker. His work has been featured on CNN, Fox, and Netflix’s “Explained”, and has even inspired television series like House, Limitless, Bull, and Mr. Robot.

A gifted communicator, Professor Cerf has authored several books, including Brain Imaging: An Illustrated Guide to the Future of Neuroscience and Return on AI and delivered widely viewed talks at TED, TEDx, DLD, and the World Economic Forum. A four-time U.S. National Storytelling Champion (The Moth) and recipient of the President’s Excellence Award, he was named among the “Top 40 Professors Under 40”, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic scientific voices.