On behalf of OAISI, we're excited to be running our fourth iteration of ARBOx (Alignment Research Bootcamp Oxford), a 2-week intensive designed to rapidly build skills in AI safety. This year, we're considering running two concurrent streams for the first time.
EDIT: We are no longer planning to run the generalist stream. However, we may do so in the future. If you'd like to hear about if/when we open applications for future iterations of generalist ARBOx, please submit this form and we'll be in touch.
ARBOx4 is an in-person, full-time programme running from 28 June to 10 July 2026 at Trajan House in Oxford. We have run three successful ARBOx iterations previously, and are excited to re-open this opportunity for another promising cohort of motivated individuals. ARBOx alumni have gone on to...
I've worked on admissions/strategy/evaluation for ARBOx2 and ARBOx3, and I'd broadly endorse JamesH's comments—I'd be very excited to see the programme you describe, but as a next step/complement to ARENA-type programmes rather than a substitute.
A few thoughts on the signalling/upskilling conversation:
Based on surveys and private anecdata, it seems like a large part of ARBOx's value comes from building confidence, motivation, and a sense of direction for participants. I think it's hard to replicate this benefit through self-studying the ARENA curriculum, a...
On 3., I think the four ARBOx fellows cited above did ARBOx first, then went on to AFP etc. I understand the argument to be "despite ARBOx being only two weeks, it has a good placement record, so why is ARENA 2.5x longer?"