SciencePetr
Science communicator and physicist, making videos about physics, math, and AI safety.
I'm Dr. Petr Lebedev — a science communicator and physicist who turns complex science into stories that reach millions of people.
I run SciencePetr, an independent YouTube channel focused on AI safety. Before that I was the science communication lead at Palisade Research, where I wrote and directed “No One Understands Why AI Works” — a 42-minute film featuring Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton.
For four years I was a senior writer/director at Veritasium, one of the world's largest and most respected science YouTube channels. As its first hire, I helped grow it from 7 to 17 million subscribers, writing and directing more than 50 videos — most of them having 10M+ views, including a few in the 70 million, 40 million, and 30 million ranges. I hold a PhD in physics from the University of Sydney, and I'm a Streamy Award winner for Best Educational Content Creator.
Funding and independence
SciencePetr has applied for and received philanthropic funding, much of which comes from the tech space. I am, and will always be, editorially independent. People have tried to tell me what to say, and I have always said no or ignored them.
Making high-quality educational videos about AI safety, physics, and math, especially with the growing team of brilliant humans, is expensive — and I am glad I am able to afford to do this. Yet I find this uncomfortable — I am not the biggest fan of philanthropy. I am working very hard for this business to be self-sustaining, including through your support on Patreon.
Videos
- SciencePetr — my channel on physics, math, and AI safety
- “No One Understands Why AI Works” — with Geoffrey Hinton (Palisade)
- Work at Veritasium — 50+ videos, writing and directing. A few favourites:
- The Man Who Gave us the Power To Destroy Ourselves (Oppenheimer)
- The Man Who Accidentally Killed The Most People In History
- The Man Who Killed Millions and Saved Billions
- How Dangerous is a Penny Dropped From a Skyscraper?
- The Simplest Math Problem No One Can Solve — Collatz Conjecture
- How Japanese Masters Turn Sand Into Swords
Talks & podcasts
- “Alchemy, Not Science — on the existential risk of AI” — SXSW Sydney 2025
- Triple J with Dr Karl
- The Great AI Safety Debrief
Hire me for
- Talks — about AI, AI safety, physics, math, and science communication.
- YouTube consulting — I've worked with some of the biggest and most respected YouTube channels on content and strategy.
- Science communications strategy — turning complex, technical work into clear stories that land with the public and the press, for research labs, companies, and institutions.
Get in touch to talk about a project.
Fun little things
Contact me
The best way to reach me is by email.