Frequently Asked Questions
This contest has closed. See the 2023 winners here.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, the deadline is May 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Submissions made before March 1, 2023 are eligible for resubmission.
What information should I include in my proposal?
Submissions to either contest should propose a new solution, define the problem more concretely, identify new examples or implications of the problems, or build on existing solutions in meaningful ways.
All submissions must include an abstract of up to 500 words explaining your idea, how it helps with the contest problem, and what its limitations are. You may also include a supporting research paper, experimentation results, code, math, images, or a conceptual elaboration on your idea.
How will submissions be evaluated? Why will submissions be made public?
We’re focused on solving alignment problems that could arise in more advanced AI systems than currently exist. Because of this, proposals cannot be evaluated in a clear cut manner. We’re having researchers familiar with AI alignment evaluate all submission according to how valuable they expect each to be. To make prizing transparent, we will eventually make all final submissions public and release the names of the winning authors. We will award up to $100,000 for each winning submission that make progress on the contest problems. For especially promising submissions, we may offer additional research funding, fellowships, and workshop invitations.
Note that we expect most prizes will range from $1,000 - $20,000. We will only award higher prizes if we receive exceptional submissions.
Can I work with others?
Yes; you can form teams of up to four people. For winning teams, prizes will be divided evenly among the teammates. You can find potential teammates on our Discord.
Can I submit multiple entries?
Yes. Submissions will be evaluated independently.
Who can participate?
Anyone can participate, regardless of age or background. Familiarity with machine learning or math may be helpful. We’re also excited about people with non-STEM backgrounds like philosophy, economics, and cognitive science.
Why focus on risks from more advanced AI systems?
We think current safety issues are important, but we focus on risks from more advanced AI systems because we think they are likely to be even more consequential. In particular, we think the development on unaligned artificial intelligence could be catastrophic for humanity. You can learn more about AI alignment here.
I have an idea for AI alignment. What should I do?
Email us at info@alignmentawards.com. (You can do this even if you don’t submit to the contest.)
How is AI Alignment Awards funded?
We’re funded by Open Philanthropy. We’re fiscally sponsored by the Player’s Philanthropy Fund.
What are the officials rules?
What is the privacy policy?