This is slightly old news at this point, but: as part of MIRI's recent strategy pivot, they've eliminated the Agent Foundations research team. I've been out of a job for a little over a month now. Much of my research time in the first half of the year was eaten up by engaging with the decision process that resulted in this, and later, applying to grants and looking for jobs.

I haven't secured funding yet, but for my own sanity & happiness, I am (mostly) taking a break from worrying about that, and getting back to thinking about the most important things.

However, in an effort to try the obvious, I have set up a Patreon where you can fund my work directly. I don't expect it to become my main source of income, but if it does, that could be a pretty good scenario for me; it would [...]

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Outline:

(01:00) What Im (probably) Doing Going Forward

(02:28) Thoughts on Public vs Private Research

The original text contained 1 footnote which was omitted from this narration.

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First published:
August 8th, 2024

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/SnaAYrqkb7fzpZn86/leaving-miri-seeking-funding

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.