Open Thread 428

2026-04-06 · Source: Astral Codex Ten · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

Astral Codex Ten (ACX) has announced several updates, including new additions to its spring 2026 meetup list for cities like San Francisco, Hyderabad, and Madrid. A new subscribers-only post features a photo-essay on "The Pause AI Protest," detailing a march from Anthropic to OpenAI and X, with chants against AI surveillance. The next ACX Grants round is slated for next winter, with the author also evaluating grants for the Survival and Flourishing Fund, which focuses on AI safety, animal welfare, climate change, and human self-enhancement, with an April 22 deadline for its main track. Coefficient Giving (formerly Open Philanthropy) has launched an RFP for its Biosecurity and Pandemic Preparedness team, aiming to direct over $100 million this year towards reducing catastrophic risks from engineered biological threats, particularly in transmission suppression, AIxBio, and policy, with applications open until May 11, 2026. Additionally, ACX advertises a dating app photo business and a freelance TypeScript/Next.js/Supabase developer role for its grantee, Spartacus.app.

Key takeaway

For AI Scientists and researchers focused on long-term societal impact, consider applying to the Survival and Flourishing Fund or Coefficient Giving's Biosecurity RFP. These initiatives offer significant funding for projects addressing AI safety, biosecurity, and related existential risks. Aligning your research with these priorities could secure crucial support for your work and contribute to global risk mitigation efforts.

Key insights

AI safety and biosecurity funding opportunities are expanding, alongside community updates and niche service advertisements.

Principles

• Community engagement fosters knowledge sharing.
• Proactive funding can mitigate emerging technological risks.

Method

Coefficient Giving's RFP process starts with simple expressions of interest (≤500 words) to streamline applications for biosecurity and pandemic preparedness grants, aiming to quickly expand grantmaking.

In practice

• Apply for biosecurity grants by May 11, 2026.
• Consider freelance TypeScript/Next.js/Supabase roles.
• Utilize professional dating app photo services.

Topics

• AI Safety
• Biosecurity
• Grant Funding
• Effective Altruism
• Community Events

Best for: AI Scientist, AI Ethicist, Policy Maker, Research Scientist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Astral Codex Ten.