We created this programme because good research doesn't happen in isolation. By bringing together people working on different aspects of AI safety in one physical space, we've seen how chance conversations lead to better research. The programme is about creating a supportive social and research environment rather than upskilling or directing what researchers work on.

The Visiting Researchers Programme is specifically designed for researchers who want to perform independent research while benefiting from our Cambridge workspace and community for 3-12 months. Unlike fellowships, this programme focuses on providing space, light-touch research support, and connections rather than intensive supervision.

We welcome applications from researchers at all career stages working on AI safety-related topics. This includes PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, independent researchers, industry professionals, and academic faculty. Although we have no specific requirements, applicants should be sufficiently experienced to be able to perform independent research with light-touch support.

The programme is highly flexible. We usually prefer visits of at least 3 months to allow enough time for integration into our community and research progress, but can support stays of up to 12 months*, and flexible start dates. We understand that researchers often have other commitments during their stay, and can work with you to find an arrangement that suits you.

*If you are moving from abroad, please be aware that your stay may be limited by visa availability. See below: ‘Can I apply if I’m not based in the UK?’.

To provide you with some minimal structure, and ensure your research receives feedback and engagement, Visiting Researchers will complete three key milestones during their residency.

• At the end of Leg 1, you will present your initial progress and plans to the community.

• At the end of Leg 2, you will submit a rough draft of your paper, or a report on your progress.

• At the end of Leg 3, you will give a final presentation and submit a final draft of your work, so we can help you polish for publication.
  

The format and date of these milestones is flexible, and will be set in discussion with you once you begin your residency.

We will also hold a party to celebrate your hard work during your time in Cambridge!

While there is a high level of flexibility on this programme, we expect you to work from our Cambridge office at least three days a week for the majority of your time here to ensure that you properly benefit from the research community.

We also expect you to deliver at the three key milestones, to ensure you receive proper engagement and feedback on your work, and that your project produces a tangible product by the end, whether this is a paper or otherwise.

There's no standard schedule, as researchers manage their own time. Many researchers arrive mid-morning, work on their projects, participate in scheduled events like seminars or reading groups, have informal discussions over lunch or coffee, and continue working through the afternoon.

Absolutely! We don't require researchers to start new projects for their visit. If you're already into a research project when you apply or join us, you're welcome to continue that work at Meridian; we're interested in supporting promising research at any stage of development.

We do not provide direct research funding for visiting researchers - but we will assist you through the process of applying for a grant from organisations like Open Philanthropy, AISI, or the Long Term Future Fund. Please be aware that the availability of funding may vary throughout the year.

No - there is no charge for becoming a visiting researcher or using the office space. However, please note that accommodation and food expenses are not covered by the programme, as researchers are expected to cover this from their own funding.

We review applications on on a rolling basis and aim to review applications within 2-3 weeks of submission. If we think you might be a good fit, we'll schedule a brief interview to discuss your research and answer any questions.

No. While we want to understand what you plan to work on, we don't expect every applicant to have a completely developed research proposal. We welcome both new project ideas and continuations of existing work. Your application should clearly articulate your research questions, methodologies, and expected outcomes, but we understand that these may evolve during your time with us.

Strong applications typically demonstrate:

• A clear research direction relevant to AI safety

• Evidence of research ability and independent thinking

• Thoughtfulness about how your time at Meridian would be valuable

• Potential to both contribute to and benefit from our community

Absolutely. We welcome international researchers and can assist with visas and travel.

Most international Visiting Researchers will need either a Standard Visitor visa or, for longer stays, a specific research visa. The appropriate visa category depends on your nationality, the duration of your stay, and the specific nature of your research activities.

The Standard Visitor visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months. For academic visitors on sabbatical leave conducting research, stays of up to 12 months may be permitted.
We will assist with visa costs and processing should you be accepted into the programme.

Important Disclaimer: While we provide supporting documentation and guidance for visa applications, all visas are subject to approval by the UK government. Meridian cannot guarantee visa approval, and researchers are ultimately responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate immigration permission to enter the country and participate in the programme.

We understand that researchers often have other professional commitments. As long as these commitments don't significantly impact your ability to engage with the programme, we're happy to work with you to accommodate conferences, workshops, or other short-term obligations during your stay.

No. The programme is designed for in-person participation. We generally expect researchers to be physically present in Cambridge for the majority of their visit.