Can Rager

Main points in favor of this grant

• Promising research idea; "obvious next step" but not one that anyone else seems to be working on.
• Can Rager has relevant research experience.
• David Bau's lab is a recognized name in the field and a competent collaborator.

Donor's main reservations

• Limited track record from Can.
• Research project is high-risk, high-reward.

Process for deciding amount

• $6000-$9000/month seems to be around the going rate for junior independent research based on previous LTFF grants. I went on the higher end as: (a) stipend may need to pay for office expenses not just living expenses; (b) Can intends to be based in the Bay Area for some of this time, a high cost-of-living location.

Conflicts of interest

Can may spend some of his stipend on a desk & membership in FAR Labs, an AI safety co-working space administered by the non-profit FAR AI that I am the founder and CEO of. This is not a condition of this grant, and I have encouraged Can to explore other office options as well. I do not directly benefit financially from additional members at FAR Labs, nor would one member materially change FAR AI's financial position. No other conflicts of interest.