The Cooperative AI Foundation (CAIF) has announced its 2024 research grant program, inviting proposals for projects in the field of Cooperative AI. This initiative aims to support research that will enhance the cooperative intelligence of advanced AI systems, ultimately benefiting all of humanity.
The call for proposals is open to researchers from various disciplines, not just computer science, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the field.
Overview
The field of Cooperative AI is crucial for addressing complex challenges in multi-agent systems. As AI systems become more advanced and integrated into various aspects of society, ensuring their ability to cooperate effectively – with each other and with humans – becomes increasingly important. This research has the potential to impact areas such as:
- Global decision-making and governance
- Conflict resolution and peacekeeping
- Economic systems and resource allocation
- Environmental management and climate change mitigation
- Public health and pandemic response
- Ethical AI development and deployment
Key Details
- Grant Range: GBP 10,000 to GBP 385,000 (median close to GBP 150,000)
- Application Deadlines: January 14, March 17, July 30, and October 6, 2024
- Project Duration: Up to two years, starting within one year of the application deadline
Funding Coverage
Grants can cover various expenses, including:
- Personnel costs for research staff
- Materials (software and compute resources)
- Travel expenses
- Publication costs
- Up to 10% in indirect costs (overhead)
Note that teaching personnel costs and expenses with significant commercial potential are generally not covered.
Eligibility and Scope
The CAIF welcomes proposals that meet the following criteria:
- Focus on research projects (not educational or advocacy initiatives)
- Address multi-agent/cooperation problems involving AI systems
- Potential relevance to advanced AI systems, including future technologies
- Aim to contribute significantly to societally beneficial AI development
- The foundation emphasizes that formal qualifications, such as doctoral degrees, are not mandatory, and applications from unaffiliated individuals are also considered. However, institutional affiliation may strengthen a proposal.
- The call is open to researchers worldwide, though applications from countries with low Corruption Perceptions Index scores may undergo more extensive due diligence.
Application Process
Proposals should be submitted via the SurveyMonkey Apply platform on https://cooperativeai.smapply.io/prog/cooperative_ai_general_research_grants/ and include the following documents:
- A detailed proposal (up to five pages)
- A project plan
- A budget
CAIF aims to process applications and provide decisions within nine weeks of each deadline. Decisions fall into three categories:
- Accepted: Proposal approved, pending due diligence
- Minor Revisions: Positive response with suggestions for minor changes
- Rejection: Proposal declined, possibly with suggestions for major revisions
Official link: https://www.cooperativeai.com/grants/cooperative-ai
Selection Criteria
CAIF evaluates proposals based on five key factors:
- Impact: The potential societal importance of the project’s results
- Tractability/Feasibility: The likelihood of successful execution
- Neglectedness: The uniqueness of the research and its potential to fill gaps in the field
- Risk Management: Consideration of potential harmful consequences and mitigation strategies
- Cost-effectiveness: Appropriate funding levels and minimal overhead costs
Advice for Applicants
- Begin preparing your application well before the deadline to allow time for queries and refinements.
- Focus on impact that is, how your research could significantly contribute to societally beneficial AI development.
- Provide detailed methodologies and expected outcomes in your proposal.
- Ensure your proposal addresses each of the selection criteria mentioned above.
- Consider interdisciplinary approaches: Given the complex nature of Cooperative AI, innovative approaches from various disciplines are encouraged.
- Manage risks: Clearly outline potential risks associated with your research and how you plan to mitigate them.
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