I'm Vivienne Ming —  professional mad scientist, demented author, and inventive storyteller

Who am I?

Dr. Vivienne Ming explores maximizing human capacity as a theoretical neuroscientist, delusional inventor, and demented author. Over her career she’s founded 6 startups, been chief scientist at 2 others, and founded The Human Trust, a philanthropic data trust and “mad science incubator” that explores seemingly intractable problems—from a lone child’s disability to global economic inclusion—for free. She co-founded Dionysus Health, combining AI and epigenetics to invent the first ever biological test for postpartum depression and change the lives of millions of families. She also develops AI tools for learning at home and in school, models of bias in hiring and promotion, and neurotechnologies to treat dementia and TBI. In her free time, Vivienne designs AI systems to treat her son’s diabetes, predict manic episodes in bipolar sufferers, and reunite orphan refugees with extended family members. For relaxation, she writes science fiction and spends time with her wife and children. Vivienne was named one of “10 Women to Watch in Tech” by Inc. Magazine and one of the BBC’s 100 Women in 2017. She is featured frequently for her research and inventions in The Financial Times, The Atlantic, Quartz Magazine and the New York Times.

What I'm working on:

The Human Trust

Co-founder & CEO

AI acting solely in your interest is a civil right.

Dionysus Health

Co-Founder & Chief scientist

The 1st ever biological test for postpartum depression.

OptoCeutics

Board director & Science Advisor

Non-invasive neuromodulation for cognitive function and healthy aging.

Kennedy Family Human Rights

Board director

A team of attorneys, issue experts, and writers united to realize Robert Kennedy’s dream of a more just and peaceful world.

Crisis Venture Studio

advisory board

We invest in, build, and scale ventures that end homelessness for those experiencing it or prevent homelessness from happening in the first place.

UC Berkeley Neurotech Collider Lab

board chair

An interdisciplinary hub for navigating and shaping the evolving landscape of neurotechnology.

CA Entrepreneurship & Economic Mobility Task Force

advisory board

Propel inclusive entrepreneurship to ensure that all California small businesses have access to the resources they need to grow and scale.

download media kit

UCL Global Business School, Public Health

Honorary professor

Multi-disciplinary research and teaching institution, founded in 1826, with 28 Nobel laureates.

UCSD Cognitive Science Department

Advisory board

The worlds first Cognitive Science department and Dr. Ming's undergraduate alma mater.

I wrote a book about how to be human in an increasingly automated world.

Join the Academy of Mad Scientists and get a copy of the book when it comes out!

join now

Awards

The BBC 100 Women

BBC

#5 on Top LGBT Executives

THe financial TImes

Apollo Project Award

The Interlaw diversity forum & The financial Times

Visionary Award

Berkeley chamber of commerce

10 Women To Watch in Tech

Inc. magazine

The Most Influential Women in the Bay Area

San francisco business times

Featured in