Below we highlight some of the themes they are exploring and where their thinking has recently been featured, from national briefings and global media coverage to specialist industry forums.
Mike Berners‑Lee (Climate / Sustainability)
Mike Berners‑Lee has continued to shape the public climate debate at the highest level. In late 2025, he chaired a landmark National Emergency Briefing at Westminster, bringing together more than 1,200 leaders from across politics, business and media. The event framed climate change not as a distant risk, but as a present-day “national emergency” affecting food security, health and the wider economy.
National Emergency Briefing on climate & nature
More recently, he has warned UK leaders that climate change represents a systemic risk to infrastructure and society, reinforcing his focus on the interconnected “polycrisis” facing the world.
https://theecologist.org/2025/dec/01/if-we-take-action-we-might-survive
Tim Spector (Health / Nutrition)
Professor Tim Spector continues to lead public understanding of nutrition and gut health. In 2026, he has published a number of articles and thought pieces, including guidance on practical ways to improve diet and wellbeing, such as his widely shared piece on resetting gut health.
He has also released updated, research-led thinking on lifestyle and nutrition, including his “7 health habits for 2026,” reflecting the latest scientific evidence and his ongoing work to promote personalised approaches to health.
Prof. Tim Spector’s 7 Health Habits For 2026
Dr Julia Ebner (Extremism / Technology)
Dr Julia Ebner remains an influential voice on extremism, disinformation and the impact of emerging technologies on society. A regular contributor to major international publications and broadcast media, she continues to shape debate on the risks posed by online radicalisation.
In a recent January 2026 interview, she warned of a potential “digital dark age”, driven by the growing influence of AI, deepfakes and coordinated disinformation and the implications this has for trust, democracy and public discourse.
https://gdi.ch/en/publications/trend-updates/when-extremism-becomes-mainstream
Dr Diva Amon (Ocean Science / Environment)
Dr Diva Amon continues her work at the forefront of deep‑sea research and ocean conservation. Her scientific work and advocacy have brought greater visibility to the risks posed by human activity in previously untouched environments.
She was recently featured in a TIME Magazine Q&A discussing the growing threat of deep‑sea mining and the importance of protecting fragile ocean ecosystems, reinforcing her role as a leading voice on ocean sustainability.
https://www.magzter.com/stories/news/TIME-Magazine/QA-WITH-DIVA-AMON
Dr Alex George (Mental health)
Dr Alex George remains a prominent advocate for improved mental health support, particularly for young people. His campaigning work has continued to receive coverage in national media, including a reflective Guardian interview in late 2025, where he spoke about the personal experiences that drive his work.
Dr Alex George looks back: ‘A dying friend told me to throw myself into things more – Love Island came into my mind’ | Family | The Guardian
In early 2026, he has also been vocal in the media on policy issues, criticising gaps in UK mental health provision and calling for stronger commitment and funding to support young people in particular.
https://britbrief.co.uk/health/mental/ex-love-islander-accuses-labour-of-breaking-mental-health-pledge.html
Nick Sharpe (Defence technology)
Nick Sharpe brings a practitioner’s perspective from the frontline of defence innovation. As CEO of Modini, he is working on the development of autonomous systems and next‑generation drone capabilities that are reshaping modern warfare. He has recently contributed to industry and business discussions on the rapid evolution of drone warfare, including a feature on a Times Radio business podcast exploring how autonomous systems are transforming conflict and presenting new challenges for armed forces.
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-business/inside-the-drone-war-with-3GdqwsN5UtH/
Henry Ajder (AI expert)
Henry Ajder is at the forefront of one of the defining issues of our time: how society navigates the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. His recent work focuses on building trust in an era where the line between real and synthetic content is increasingly blurred. From advising global organisations to contributing to leading research with institutions such as the World Economic Forum, Ajder is helping shape how businesses and policymakers approach AI responsibly—championing transparency, ethical deployment, and the tools needed to safeguard public trust in a digital world.
Authenticity in the age of generative AI: Insights from Henry Ajder | Adobe Blog
Tom Osborn & the Shamiri Institute
Tom Osborn is redefining what effective, scalable solutions to global challenges can look like. Through the Shamiri Institute, he is pioneering a new model for youth mental health—one that is community-led, evidence-based, and accessible at scale. His work has already reached hundreds of thousands of young people, with outcomes that challenge traditional assumptions about how care should be delivered. Recently recognised with the 2026 Elevate Prize, Osborn’s approach demonstrates how locally rooted innovation can deliver global impact, offering a powerful blueprint for tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.
A New Prescription for Youth Mental Health | Harvard Magazine
Sir Tim Smit
As co-founder of the Eden Project, Sir Tim Smit has long been a pioneer in connecting people with the natural world. Today, his voice remains an important counterpoint in the climate conversation—offering a perspective grounded not only in urgency, but in optimism. As the Eden Project marks its 25th anniversary, Smit has been reflecting on the significant progress made in environmental awareness and engagement, while continuing to advocate for bold, imaginative approaches to building a more sustainable future. His work reminds us that shaping tomorrow depends as much on hope and creativity as it does on action.
Continuing the conversation
Across disciplines from climate science and global health to AI, defence and ocean conservation our CTF speakers continue to engage with the issues that will define the coming decades. What links their work is not just expertise but a shared willingness to confront complex challenges, contribute to public debate and help shape a more informed view of the future.