Weekend Workshop
A two-day workshop for social science faculty moving into AI safety.
Express interestAI is already changing how people work, learn, decide, and govern. Whether the transition to advanced AI goes well isn’t decided yet, and only a few thousand researchers are working on making it safe. Very few of them are trained social scientists.
We’re looking for faculty with a track record of excellence in their field. Maybe you’ve run a long-running panel study, built a widely used survey instrument, or spent years inside the organizations you study. Whatever it is, our goal is to show you how your research can contribute to AI safety.
Program
Workshop
Two days · Boston or San Francisco
Through talks, one-on-ones, and small-group discussions, hear from researchers working on AI safety, exchange ideas with other faculty, and build relationships across the field.
Optional extension
A few months · Remote
Stay connected with your cohort and AI safety researchers, scope a research project in your area, and find ways to bring in your students, including as mentors for SIRA fellows.
Explore your fit
You’re a great fit if you:
- Hold a faculty position (assistant, associate, or full professor) in a social science department
- Lead an established research program in psychology, economics, sociology, political science, communication, anthropology, or a related field
- Recognize the importance of reducing risks from advanced AI
- Have engaged with some AI safety material, or want a structured place to start
- Keep an open mind and are willing to admit when you’ve been wrong
- Want your research to shape how AI is developed and used
The workshop is built for mid-career researchers. Undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs should look at the fellowship.
FAQ
How much AI safety knowledge do I need?
You should understand the core motivations behind AI safety. Specialized technical knowledge is not required.
What will the weekend include?
Invited talks, small-group discussions, and one-on-one conversations with AI safety researchers and with social scientists already working in the field.
How much will it cost?
We aim to make the workshop free to attend, with travel, accommodation, and meals covered for the in-person weekend.
When and where is the workshop?
We plan to host it at an AI safety hub in Boston or San Francisco, close to universities with strong AI safety communities. Dates will be announced once the workshop is confirmed.
Who are the speakers?
Speakers will include researchers and professionals working across AI safety, as well as social scientists who have already moved into the field.
Know someone who would be a strong fit?
Email us at contact@sira-project.org with their name and why you think they’d be a good fit.
In development Interested in attending? Fill out a short interest form.
Express interest