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👋 Hey there, researcher!

The Moonshot Alignment Program is a 5-week research sprint from August 2nd to September 6th, focused on the hard part of alignment: getting values into models, with strong empirical evidence that the methods work and scale. You’ll join a small team, choose a vetted research direction, and run experiments to test whether your approach actually generalizes.

**Apply before July 25th. The first 300 applicants are guaranteed personalised feedback.**

For this program, we have four main tracks:

  1. Agent Foundations Theory: Build formal models of agents and value formation.
  2. Applied Agent Foundations: Implement and test agent models.
  3. Neuroscience-based AI Alignment: Design architectures inspired by how the brain encodes values.
  4. Improved Preference Optimization: Build oversight methods that embed values deeply and scale reliably.

We’re also offering a fifth Open Track track for original ideas that do not fit neatly into any one of initial four categories.

How does the program work?

The program runs for 5 weeks. Each week focuses on a different phase of building and testing an alignment method. The goal is to embed values in a system in a way that generalizes and can’t be easily gamed. Participants will form teams during the app process. We recommend teams of 3–5. You can apply solo or with collaborators. If applying solo, we’ll match you based on track, timezone, and working style.

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Eligibility

Mentors may support specific teams depending on availability. Teams are expected to coordinate independently and meet regularly. If someone drops out, we’ll help rebalance teams where needed.

This is a part-time program and a research participant is expected to deliver at least 10 hours per week.

Our Application Process

There are three stages in the application process.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

Stage 2: Knowledge Check

Stage 3: Team Formation and Idea Submission

Attend our Demo Day

The program ends with a public poster session and job fair. Teams will present their work in a virtual conference format on GatherTown. Each team has a space to display their results, answer questions, and defend their method. Senior researchers will review the posters and vote on standout projects.

Following the presentation is a job fair where research orgs, labs, and startups can host booths, meet researchers, and share open roles.

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How much does it cost to attend the demo day?

The research program is free, but we charge for poster evening attendance to cover program costs and participant stipends. It is free for participants.