We’re pleased to add neuroscientist and writer [Erik Hoel](https://www.metaculus.com/public-figure/erik-hoel/) to Metaculus’s growing roster of [Public Figures](https://www.metaculus.com/questions/8198/updated-public-figure-predictions/). Hoel is a research assistant professor exploring the biological basis of consciousness at Tufts University in Boston, and he publishes a successful Substack called [The Intrinsic Perspective](https://erikhoel.substack.com/), where he made a series of [2050 predictions](https://erikhoel.substack.com/p/futurists-have-their-heads-in-the). 

Hoel also has the distinction of being the first Public Figure to “claim” his page—which means he enjoys some oversight on the Public Figure Predictions created to accompany this piece, and that he has elaborated on a few of his predictions: [on censorship](https://www.metaculus.com/prediction/9155/a-public-prediction-by-erik-hoel/), [genetic engineering](https://www.metaculus.com/prediction/9145/a-public-prediction-by-erik-hoel/), [AI](https://www.metaculus.com/prediction/9139/a-public-prediction-by-erik-hoel/), and [WWIII](https://www.metaculus.com/prediction/9154/a-public-prediction-by-erik-hoel/). 

Claimed Public Figure pages offer a unique opportunity to interact more directly with interesting thinkers willing to make public predictions. Hoel can update his predictions and can comment on his pages to respond to your feedback. If you [submit a Public Figure Prediction](https://www.metaculus.com/public-figures/add-forecast/?project=1273) made by him, he'll have an opportunity to provide feedback and contribute detail to your submission.  
 
We'd like to thank [@RyanBeck](https://www.metaculus.com/accounts/profile/117502/) for first suggesting Erik Hoel as a Public Figure and for helpfully kicking off [this excellent and extensive series based on Hoel’s 2050 predictions](https://www.metaculus.com/questions/8581/erik-hoel-2050-predictions/). 

Finally, Erik Hoel has [a piece up in the Metaculus Journal](https://www.metaculus.com/notebooks/9511/the-2050-project/) where he gathers and comments on predictions by a number of other bloggers inspired by his initial 2050 predictions post. Check it out!

We hope you enjoy this extension of the Public Figure Predictions project! Please let us know what you think, and share any ideas you have for further improvement.