Introductory AI Policy Fellowship

Every semester, AISST runs an 8-week introductory reading group on the foundational policy and governance issues posed by the development of advanced AI systems. The fellowship aims to introduce students interested in AI policy and governance to risks from advanced AI.  It will discuss questions such as:

  • How much progress in AI should we expect over the next few years?

  • What are the risks associated with the misuse and misalignment of advanced AI systems?

  • What are the key tradeoffs between different theories of victory for AI governance, from pausing AI development to US-led AI dominance to cooperative international development?

  • How could liability regimes and private governance mechanisms incentivize responsible AI development?

  • How can the US reduce AI risks while navigating strategic competition with China? To what extent should we prioritize "the free world prevailing" vs. greater coordination with China on safety?

  • How can computing power serve as a lever for AI governance, and how effective have US export controls been at achieving its goals so far?

  • What role can early interventions like mandatory lab disclosures and government AI capacity-building play in maintaining regulatory optionality as AI systems advance?

The fellowship meets weekly in small groups. Dinner is provided, and no additional work is required beyond meetings.

See here for the syllabus from this past spring.

If you are interested in participating in our policy fellowship, fill out this form.

For those interested in the technical side of AI safety, we recommend applying to our introductory technical fellowship.  It is possible to participate in both programs.

  • We welcome applications from students with a range of previous experiences: previous work in AI or technology policy is helpful, but by no means required. In the past, fellows have had backgrounds in public policy, law, political science, as well as a variety of technical fields. This is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage those with other academic backgrounds to apply as well.

  • In the past, we’ve received over 300 applicants and accepted around half.

  • We attempt to accommodate people’s schedules when forming cohorts. Each cohort meets once a week for two hours, with dinner or lunch provided. We meet in our office in Harvard Square. (The summer fellowship has both an in-person and virtual option.)

  • If you’re already familiar with the topics discussed in the syllabus, please email us at contact@haist.ai to discuss other ways of getting involved with AISST!

  • Yes. Previous fellows have included students in various SEAS/GSAS/MIT PhD programs, HLS, HKS, HBS, and Harvard College. Schedules permitting, we’ll form cohorts such that students are matched with others with similar backgrounds.