FELLOWSHIP DETAILS
Schedule
Week 1: Humanity’s wild futures
Introducing the concept of wild futures and the importance of considering a wide range of possibilities.
Formal dinner at Hawk’s Club with an introduction from Demetrius A. Floudas, International Legal Consultant, Practising Attorney, and Senior Associate at the University of Cambridge.
Week 2: Existential Risks & Humanity’s Survival
Understanding and addressing the existential risks that threaten humanity's future.
Lecture and discussion with researchers at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk.
Week 3: The Rise of Intelligent Machines
Explore the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on human civilization.
Seminar and social event with Cambridge AI Safety Hub.
Week 4: Biotechnology, Digital People, and Transhumanism
We'll delve into genetic breakthroughs, AI and virtual identities, and the enhancement of human capacities through technology.
Week 5: Value Theory, Population and Future Ethics
Workshop: Apply philosophical theories to hypothetical future scenarios (e.g., Universal Basic Income, Global Digital Governance)
Week 6: Cosmic Colonies & Human Expansion
We’ll discuss the feasibility of colonizing the Moon and Mars, the concept of multi-planetary human civilization; and the challenges of Interstellar travel and terraforming.
Expert guest lecture (TBD)
Capstone Project
Fellows will complete a deliverable on an area of choice, to be included in our termly publication.
Who is the course for?
Ideal candidates for CERI Futures Fellowship will have a keen interest in the long-term outlook of human civilization, a commitment to ethical foresight, and a drive to contribute meaningfully to discussions about humanity’s shared future. Participants will leave the program with a network of like-minded peers and tools to make a lasting impact on the positive trajectory of humanity.
The Fellowship is open to individuals in and around Cambridge, UK. Anyone may apply, whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, faculty member, or unaffiliated with the University of Cambridge. Weekly meetings will be held at the Meridian Office in Central Cambridge.
No prior knowledge or experience in existential risk studies or futures studies is required. The course is multidisciplinary, spanning history and anthropology, politics and economics, philosophy, computer science, biology, and statistics.
We are committed to building a diverse cohort of fellows. Evidence suggests that underprivileged individuals tend to underestimate their abilities. We do not want the application process to dissuade potential candidates and we strongly encourage interested students to apply regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, etc.
How are Fellows selected?
Selections for the Fellowship are competitive. We are looking for applicants willing to engage with ideas of humanity’s longterm future, raise questions and uncertainties, and think critically and unconventionally. Prior experience in related subject matter is not required.
What is the time commitment?
Programming will last 6 weeks, with a 7th week for working on a research deliverable. Exact dates and times will be determined based on participant and speaker availability. We will begin the course the week of January 30 and finish the week of March 12.
Fellows are expected to attend all events and complete a final deliverable. In total, you should expect to spend 4-6 hours a week on preparatory work and synchronous events.
What happens when I complete the course?
CERI Futures Fellowship will provide avenues for further opportunities in high-impact work in existential risk, future studies, and other disciplines. Fellows will have access to career support, mentorship, and a network of highly motivated peers.
Timeline
Applications open December 15
Applications close January 20 (reviewed on a rolling basis)
Cohort selections made by January 25
Fellowship begins the week of January 30
Fellowship ends the week of March 12
If you have any questions, please email us at ceri-contact@srcf.net.