PIBBSS AI

PIBBSS is a research initiative that draws parallels between intelligent behaviors in natural and artificial systems to address AI risk, governance, and safety. It offers programs to foster research, support talent, and build a network around this approach.

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PIBBSS AI

What is PIBBSS AI

The Principles of Intelligent Behavior in Biological and Social Systems (PIBBSS) is dedicated to understanding the principles governing intelligent behavior across various systems to ensure safer AI futures. It focuses on interdisciplinary research, combining insights from fields like ecology, neuroscience, and sociology to inform the design of beneficial AI. The initiative runs programs such as the Summer Research Fellowship and an Affiliate Program, providing support and resources to researchers exploring AI alignment. It also hosts speaker events to unite researchers and explore connections in AI alignment research.

PIBBSS AI Product Features

  • Interdisciplinary Research: PIBBSS leverages knowledge from ecology, evolutionary biology, and social sciences to inform AI design.
  • Summer Research Fellowship: A 3-month program pairing fellows with AI alignment mentors.
  • Affiliate Program: Long-term support for promising researchers in AI alignment with a strong track record.
  • Speaker Events: Semi-regular events that bring together AI alignment and adjacent field researchers.
  • Research Support: Offers resources and support structures like research retreats and personalized support.
  • Community Engagement: Access to a research community through workshops and a dedicated Slack space.
  • Financial and Administrative Aid: Assistance for research activities, including conference visits and compute access.
  • Office Space: Provision of office space based on affiliate needs.
  • Epistemic Pluralism: Fosters a culture that values diverse research approaches and good epistemic practices.
  • Performance Reports: Affiliates are required to submit quarterly reports and participate in research retreats.
  • Research Excellence: Seeks candidates with strong research judgment, productivity, and understanding of AI risk and alignment.

    • PIBBSS AI Affiliate Program

  • Salary of 5'000 USD/month/FTE for affiliates, with higher salaries for exceptional candidates
  • Offers full-time positions with flexibility for part-time or non-exclusive arrangements
  • Provides support structures such as quarterly research retreats and personalized research support
  • Access to the PIBBSS research community, including a Slack space and workshops
  • Financial and administrative assistance for research-related activities like conference visits and compute access
  • Office space availability based on affiliate needs
  • Tailored support to affiliates based on their individual requirements for research progress
  • Initial duration of the affiliate program is 6 months, with a possible extension to 12 months
  • Aims to establish long-term positions for promising AI alignment researchers
  • Emphasizes a culture of epistemic pluralism, good epistemic practices, and a supportive, curious, and dedicated environment
  • Requires quarterly reports and participation in research retreats from affiliates
  • Seeks candidates with scholarly competence, strong understanding of AI risk and alignment, good research judgment, and productivity