Bringing Physics to AI Safety's Most Pressing Challenges

The AI Safety x Physics Grand Challenge is a research hackathon designed to engage physicists in tackling critical AI safety problems. This is an excellent entry point for physicists who want to contribute to AI safety—you'll work alongside peers who share your technical background and passion for rigorous problem-solving.

Why Physics for AI Safety?

Physicists have so much to offer to AI safety:

• Abstraction switching from math to code to real-world impact

• Mathematical rigor paired with empirical grounding

• Ability to simplify complex systems without losing essential dynamics

• Comfort with uncertainty and statistical thinking

• Knowing when to zoom in vs. zoom out which details matter at which scale

Two Research Tracks

Project Track

Solve a concrete problem in AI safety, using theoretical or empirical methods. Ideal for participants with ML/AI experience who want to apply physics methods to safety problems. Work with expert mentors on tractable projects with clear AI safety relevance.

Papers Track

Propose novel physics-based solutions to AI safety challenges or create rigorous bridges between physics concepts and AI safety problems. Perfect for physicists new to AI safety who bring fresh perspectives. Submissions can be ambitious proposals or careful literature reviews connecting the fields.

What to Expect

• Expert mentorship from researchers at the intersection of physics and AI

• Structured problem areas with starter materials and concrete research directions

• Global community of highly talented participants enthusiastic about tackling high-impact challenges

• Follow-up support for exceptional projects through Apart Research programs

• Optional pre-event orientation for those new to AI safety

Apply

Join us in applying your academic training to one of the most important technical challenges of our time. Connect with a growing community of researchers working to ensure AI systems are developed safely and beneficially.