Build AI Safety Skills Through Mentorship
We are currently open to Summer 2024 Mentee Applications!
We believe that AI might reshape the world in ways that humanity is unprepared for. Therefore, we think ensuring AI's safe development is a critical priority for the well-being of future generations.
SPAR provides a unique opportunity for early-career individuals and professionals to contribute to AI safety research by participating in mentorship, either as a mentor or mentee, in alignment research, safety engineering, or governance research. This opportunity allows participants to develop essential skills and make valuable contributions to the field of AI safety.
Our Vision
Information about the program
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SPAR is a virtual, part-time, volunteer research program designed to give early career individuals and professionals an opportunity to work on a AI safety project for 3 months. There is an average time commitment of 5 to 20 hours per week for mentees and 2-10 hours per week for mentors.
We think its important for mentee and mentors to have legible outputs from the project so we have mandatory midterm + final report and a optional poster session.
The Summer 2024 will last from June 14 to September 7! -
What we are looking for in a mentee:Participants who have a technical background (e.g. ML, CS, maths, physics, neuroscience, etc.) or governance knowledge.
Some projects may require additional background knowledge related to AI Safety/Alignment.
Depending on the project, no prior research experience may be necessary, as long as you meet the specific technical requirements.
What we are looking for in a mentor:We are excited about mentors that are graduate students, faculty members, industry professionals, and independent researchers with a strong background in AI safety research. We generally don’t accept undergraduate applicants except in exceptional circumstances.
Being a Mentor
SPAR mentors offer their expertise by proposing, overseeing, and aiding projects on alignment research. Through this collaboration, mentors not only advance their projects but also learn how to mentor others, which we believe is an extremely important and neglected skill in AI safety. Graduate students, faculty members, and professionals with interest are encouraged to fill out a project proposal form, sharing the details of a project they would like to lead.
SPAR mentees, ranging from early-career individuals to professionals, participate in AI safety projects for a period of 3 months. Mentees receive practical research experience and guidance from SPAR mentors, allowing them to assess their suitability for AI safety work. Mentees dedicate 5-20+ hours a week to their projects, which allows those in school or working to participate. They also engage in regular check-ins with teams and supervisors, allowing them to learn about project and task management.