Alexander Pan

Main points in favor of this grant

Removing hazardous capabilities from models would greatly help reduce AI x-risk from malicious use and unilateral actors. Alex is a researcher with a strong track record who is interested in AI safety and has done previous AI safety research. The timing is right; NIST has been tasked by the recent EO to help develop standards and regulations on “dual-use foundation models.” Research now has a much higher likelihood of helping shape regulation.

Donor's main reservations

This is a relatively complex project with many moving parts. It’s crucial that the project is executed well on a relatively short timeline.

Process for deciding amount

It was estimated by the researchers that this was the total amount needed for the dataset. I have reviewed the budget and approved.

Conflicts of interest

I will be helping advise this project.