Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about Iliad, our programs, research ecosystem and events.
About Iliad
What is Iliad?
Iliad works to turn foundational AI alignment into a rigorous scientific field. We incubate research organizations, train researchers through the Iliad Intensive and Fellowship, organize conferences and workshops, and build shared field infrastructure including the Alignment Journal.
Where is Iliad based?
Iliad is an American non-profit through its fiscal sponsor Principles of Intelligence, a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. Our programs and conferences take place around the world, with activity concentrated in the Bay Area and London.
How can I get involved with Iliad?
You can apply to the Iliad Intensive or Fellowship, apply for an open role, submit an expression of interest, or pitch a research project through our current funding calls.
How do I get in touch?
Email contact@iliad.ac.
Who funds Iliad?
Iliad is a non-profit funded by philanthropic organizations, including Coefficient Giving, that support work on important problems including AI alignment.
Programs
What programs does Iliad run?
The Iliad Intensive is a four-week, full-time taught course in foundational AI alignment. The Iliad Fellowship is a three-month mentored research fellowship in applied mathematics for AI alignment.
What is the difference between the Intensive and the Fellowship?
The Intensive is a taught course designed to build a broad technical foundation. The Fellowship is a research program: instead of coursework, fellows conduct individual mentored research. Many fellows first build their foundational understanding through the Intensive, but completing it is not required to apply for the Fellowship.
Do I need a PhD to apply?
No. For the Intensive, the requirement is mathematical maturity rather than a specific credential. The Fellowship is aimed primarily at PhD and postdoctoral researchers, or people with equivalent substantial research experience, but the degree itself is not a hard requirement.
How do I apply?
A single Iliad application form covers upcoming Intensive and Fellowship iterations. For current dates, locations, and application status, use Upcoming Events.
Research & incubation
What kind of research does Iliad support?
Iliad incubates technical research bets: theoretical projects that generate concrete, testable predictions, and methodologically mature, theoretically informed experiments whose results feed back into theory.
What does it mean to be an incubated project?
Iliad provides fiscal sponsorship and general operations support to incubated organizations, including administrative, budgeting, legal and fundraising assistance. When possible, Iliad also provides seed funding.
Which projects has Iliad incubated?
Current incubated research organizations include AIXI Labs, Principia, Stormglass, and XOR Labs. The Alignment Journal is part of Iliad's field-building infrastructure.
I’m working on something that fits. How do I pitch it?
Get in touch at contact@iliad.ac.
Events & conferences
What conferences does Iliad run?
Iliad runs the annual Iliad conference and organizes other workshops and conferences, including the Agent Foundations at CMU conference series.
When and where is the next conference?
Upcoming conference details are announced once planning is finalized. The events calendar is the best place to see current dates, locations and application or registration status.
Who can attend, and how can I register?
Admissions and registration vary by event, and not every event is open to the public. Use Upcoming Events for current dates, locations, status, and the relevant application or registration route.