Alexandra Bell to Address AI and Global Risk in Keynote at DrupalCon 2026 Chicago

Alexandra serves as the President and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a Chicago-based organisation globally recognised for its leadership on nuclear risk, climate change, and disruptive technologies. She leads the Bulletin’s publishing initiatives, management of the iconic Doomsday Clock, and programs aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing existential threats.

A former diplomat and policy strategist, Alexandra previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. In that role, she managed the Offices of Strategic Stability and Deterrence and Multilateral and Nuclear Affairs within the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability. Her earlier work at the Department included advisory positions under the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. Before her government service, she worked on nuclear policy at the Ploughshares Fund and the Center for American Progress.

At DrupalCon 2026, Alexandra is expected to address the security and societal implications of artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies, and how open-source communities like Drupal can prepare for and mitigate associated risks. Her insights promise to bridge the global policy landscape with the day-to-day challenges and responsibilities of open-source development. The announcement was also highlighted by Drupal community member Avi Schwab, who noted in a LinkedIn post that insights into AI and security are especially relevant for open-source ecosystems like Drupal.

DrupalCon North America is the premier annual event for the global Drupal community, offering a wide array of sessions, summits, contribution opportunities, and keynote addresses. The 2026 edition, hosted at the Hilton Chicago, will run from March 23 to 26. With the inclusion of Bell as a keynote speaker, the event continues to expand its focus beyond technical innovation, engaging with broader societal, security, and ethical issues that intersect with the open-source world.