Taking your next steps after a research hackathon

Taking your next steps after a research hackathon

With the research hackathon, your journey into the world of AI safety is definitely not over! Besides the chance to join the Apart Lab Fellowship, we have collected a bunch of resources here for you to dive even deeper into the field!

May 20, 2024

  • Arkose has collected a list of career opportunities, good papers, and academic workshops you can join (link).
  • The AI Safety Fundamentals course is designed to give you a curriculum to dive into the theories behind AI risk and risk mitigation research! Check out their AI safety course (link).
  • Publish your research project as a Forum post on the AlignmentForum (link) to get feedback and share your ideas.
  • If you are in need of more ideas, go to AI Safety Ideas (link) to find others who are seeking projects.

Becoming an AI safety researcher

Additionally, we have a short guide written by a previous fellow of the Apart Lab in 2023!

Getting started in technical alignment research may require some time, ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on your background and level of commitment. Here are some examples of activities you could focus on:

  • Utilize AI Safety Training to stay informed about opportunities. Apply actively, but manage your expectations regarding acceptance rates.
  • Explore the resources provided by AI safety support, including a curated list of resources and a dedicated Slack channel.
  • Refer to the Map of AI Existential Safety for valuable insights.
  • Consider enrolling in a practical ML course like this one, assuming a basic understanding of Python programming, linear algebra, and calculus.
  • Explore the educational opportunities offered by Minitorch for hands-on experience in DL/ML engineering.

Additional recommended posts and resources include:

Guidelines for advancing your personal career in alignment research:

  • Allocate a portion of your time to reading AlignmentForum / LessWrong content that interests you while focusing primarily on direct work rather than excessive reading.
  • Participate in monthly Apart Research hackathons if you possess basic ML skills to engage in hands-on projects.
  • Engage in skill-building activities that interest you, including supervised research or internships, even if they are not directly related to alignment research.
  • Prioritize self-care and allocate time to activities that bring enjoyment and meaning into your life without overextending yourself.