Meridian Visiting
Researcher Programme

Apply as an individual
Apply as a team

Where safety research finds its community.

We're looking for researchers passionate about AI safety to join us in Cambridge. Whether you're a PhD student, postdoc, or independent researcher, our visiting programme gives you the space to work on your own projects while connecting with others tackling similar challenges.

Two people sitting at a desk with laptops, conversing in a modern office space with plants and shelves in the background.

What's the Visiting Research Programme?

The Programme brings AI Safety researchers to Meridian in Cambridge for a period of several months. We've found that good ideas happen when smart people share the same space - even if they're working on different things.

We're pretty flexible about who can apply. The main thing is that you're working on something related to making AI systems safer or more beneficial. Not sure if your work fits? We encourage you to apply anyway.

Most researchers join us at the start of terms (October, January, or April), but we can be flexible if those dates don't work for you.

What you’ll get:

  • A desk in our Cambridge workspace, open 24/7

  • Help finding somewhere to live

  • Travel support to get to Cambridge

  • Access to our research community

  • Regular talks, workshops and socials

  • A chance to participate in our Intensive Weeks (more on that below)

The details

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Apply as an individual

Who should apply:

  • Researchers with expertise in machine learning, computer science, mathematics, or related fields

  • Graduates of programmes such as MATS, MARS, ARENA, ML4G, SPAR, and ERA with AI safety knowledge looking to transition to full-time research

  • Individuals with established research portfolios interested in transitioning to AI safety

  • PhD candidates, recent graduates, or postdoctoral researchers exploring AI safety directions

  • PIs interested in incorporating AI safety into their research agenda

  • People based in Cambridge or willing/excited to work there and contribute to strengthening Cambridge as a hub for AI safety research

Support included:

  • Partial or full expense reimbursement to and from Cambridge, UK. (Exact amount will depend on individual circumstances and available funding.)

  • Accommodation during the programme week

  • Workspace and resources

  • Meals during program activities

Apply by March 23, 2025, anywhere on Earth.

Spaces are limited to approximately 30 participants.

Apply as a team

Programme Structure

  • Day 1-2: Ideation and team formation


    Explore research directions and meet potential collaborators through introductory sessions, workshops, and our speed cofounder matching process. You'll connect with researchers whose skills complement yours and begin developing project ideas together.

  • Two people working on computers in an office, with laptops and a desktop monitor, blue wall background, and small plants in glass containers on a shelf.

    Day 3: Team Cementation



    Form your research team and refine your project focus. By the end of day three, you'll have a clear concept and research direction with your newly formed team.

  • Person in a red sweater writing at a desk with multiple monitors, a laptop displaying an image of Earth, a keyboard, and fruit.

    Days 4-5: Proposal Development



    Learn effective grant writing strategies from experts and develop your proposal with structured feedback. Sessions will cover research impact assessment and alignment with funder priorities.

  • Two people having a conversation in a pantry or kitchen area, holding coffee mugs. Shelves stocked with various food items and beverages are visible in the background.

    Day 6: Red Teaming and Feedback


    Present your proposal to peers and experts who will identify potential weaknesses. Use this critical feedback to strengthen your proposal's technical content and presentation.

  • A person presenting in front of a screen and a banner at a Cambridge-based AI safety event.

    Day 7: Proposal Finalization



    Polish your submission with final technical reviews. By day's end, you'll have a completed proposal ready for the April 15th deadline.

 FAQs

  • The programme is designed to fill a gap between upskilling programs and full-time research positions for those transitioning to the AI Safety field. It provides an institutional home and supportive environment for researchers and aims to help researchers in developing compelling research proposals for further funding.

  • Unlike typical upskilling programs, this program specifically targets researchers who already have AI safety knowledge but need help transitioning to full-time research roles. It focuses on team formation, project development, and grant writing rather than teaching technical skills.

  • Collaborations are an extremely effective learning mechanism. Researchers who might otherwise work independently can benefit significantly from working with others they can learn from and get rapid feedback/coaching. Research teams typically write much better project proposals than individuals working alone.

  • Selection is based on a review of CVs and prior research experience, evaluation of preliminary project proposals, and assessment of candidates' motivations for entering the AI safety field. Selection decisions will be made on a rolling basis and we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.

  • Selection decisions are made on a rolling basis. We encourage those who will need more time to make travel arrangements to apply earlier. We aim to notify all applicants by March 24th at the latest.

  • The program will reimburse some or all travel expenses, provide accommodation for the duration of the programme week, and cover meals and refreshments during program activities

  • You can apply either as an individual or with a pre-formed team. For individuals, the programme encourages team formation during the in-person week, with ideal research teams consisting of 2-4 members. If you apply as an individual, you’ll have opportunities to connect with other participants and form a team through our structured matching process. You are also welcome to submit your final proposal individually if you do not find a suitable team.

  • After the in-person week, teams will submit their proposals to Open Philanthropy by the April 15th deadline. Funding decisions are expected in May-June 2025, with funded projects commencing from June 2025 onwards.

  • In the case that grants submitted to Open Philanthropy are unsuccessful, we will be happy to continue working with teams to refine their proposals and submit to alternative funding sources.

  • Funded teams are encouraged to return to Cambridge to conduct their funded research at the Meridian office and CAISH facilities. We will assist with visas and relocation for the research period.

  • Open Philanthropy has identified 21 research areas of interest across five clusters: Adversarial machine learning, Exploring sophisticated misbehavior in LLMs, Model transparency, Trust from first principles, and Alternative approaches to mitigating AI risks. Their RFP provides detailed descriptions of these areas.

  • Funded teams will have access to dedicated workspace at the Meridian office, integration with Cambridge's AI safety research community, optional research management support, and administrative assistance for grant management.

  • If you have further questions, please contact Gábor Fuisz at gabor@cambridgeaisafety.org