# Mrinank Sharma

**Role:** Former head of Anthropic's Safeguards Research Team (2024-2026)

**Background:** Led research on AI sycophancy, AI-assisted bioterrorism defenses, and produced one of the first AI safety cases at Anthropic.

**Significance:** High-profile resignation on February 9, 2026 with public statement that 'the world is in peril,' citing difficulty in 'truly let[ting] our values govern our actions' within 'institutions shaped by competition, speed, and scale.' Departure preceded both RSP v3.0 release and Hegseth ultimatum by 15 days, serving as leading indicator of internal safety culture erosion at Anthropic.

## Timeline

- **2024** — Joined Anthropic as head of Safeguards Research Team
- **2024-2026** — Led work on AI sycophancy, bioterrorism defenses, AI safety cases
- **2026-02-09** — Resigned publicly with 'world is in peril' statement, citing institutional pressures from 'competition, speed, and scale'
- **2026-02-24** — 15 days after resignation, Anthropic released RSP v3.0 dropping pause commitments and received Hegseth ultimatum