PeopleofSuperintelligence

Public voice

Daniel Zhang

Daniel Zhang works on AI policy and measurement at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). As of October 2026, he is chief of staff at the Institute, a post that follows his earlier role running its policy research, outreach and education initiatives. He managed the AI Index and lead-authored its 2021 and 2022 annual reports, which measure the rapid rate of AI advancement. In 2022 he co-wrote Stanford HAI's responses to a federal request on updating the national AI research plan and to an FTC notice on commercial surveillance. In 2025 he co-wrote a response on an AI Action Plan and helped answer the Department of Education's request on AI in education.

Timeline

  1. 2021–2022

    Managing the AI Index

    He manages the AI Index and lead-authors its 2021 and 2022 annual reports, which measure the rapid rate of AI advancement. The AI Index 2021 Annual Report lists him among its 13 authors.

  2. March 2022

    Eight strategies for national AI R&D

    In March 2022 he co-writes Stanford HAI's response to a federal request for information on updating the National AI R&D Strategic Plan, which offers eight strategies for AI development.

  3. November 2022

    Reply to an FTC notice

    He co-authors Stanford HAI's reply to the FTC's advance notice on commercial surveillance and data security, dated November 2022.

  4. March 2025

    Response to the AI Action Plan

    Stanford HAI's March 2025 response to the Office of Science and Technology Policy's request for information on an AI Action Plan lists him among its authors and urges policymakers to promote open and scientific innovation.

  5. August 2025

    Response on AI in education

    In August 2025 he helps answer the Department of Education's request for information on AI in education, urging policymakers to anchor their approach in proven research.

  6. As of October 2026

    Chief of staff at Stanford HAI

    He is chief of staff at Stanford HAI, a post that follows his earlier role running the Institute's policy research, outreach and education initiatives.

Sources and credits

Photo: We have no published photo of Daniel Zhang yet. Send us a free-licensed photo.

  1. Daniel Zhang | Stanford HAI hai.stanford.edu. Checked 14 October 2026.
  2. Daniel Zhang : AI Expert - OECD.AI oecd.ai. Checked 14 October 2026.
  3. [2103.06312v1] The AI Index 2021 Annual Report arxiv.org. Checked 14 October 2026.
  4. Recommendations on Updating the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan | Stanford HAI hai.stanford.edu. Checked 14 October 2026.
  5. Response to FTC's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Commercial Surveillance and Data Security | Stanford HAI hai.stanford.edu. Checked 14 October 2026.
  6. Response to OSTP’s Request for Information on the Development of an AI Action Plan | Stanford HAI hai.stanford.edu. Checked 14 October 2026.
  7. Response to the Department of Education’s Request for Information on AI in Education | Stanford HAI hai.stanford.edu. Checked 14 October 2026.