WHAT WE DO
Academic Field Building
Policy research to navigate emerging challenges from AI advancements is a growing field of study, but is still limited in size. Informed policy discourse requires deep engagement from academia, industry, and civil society. We aim to foster the growth of AI policy as a robust field of study within academic institutions to expand the body of knowledge on the subject. Our current programs focus on supporting the field of AI law and policy at US universities.
Talent Development
Developing effective policies to navigate the evolving AI landscape requires a pool of talented experts across several subject matter areas who are well- versed in the technical aspects of AI. We help students and recent graduates build the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to build careers in the nascent but growing field of AI policy. Our current programs focus on law students and recent law graduates.
VIRTUAL COURSES
National Security Law and AI
A virtual foundational course exploring the intersection of AI and national security challenges and the role of legal instruments in AI governance, with follow-on opportunities for sponsored research.
AI Agents and the Law: Module 1
A virtual course providing participants with technical foundations on AI agents and an introduction to relevant legal concepts from torts, agency, and consumer protection laws.
AI Agents and the Law: Module 2
A virtual course advancing participants into focused research streams including liability frameworks, law-following AI, and technical infrastructure, culminating in individual research proposals.
WORKSHOPS
AI Law and Policy Workshop
A two-day in-person workshop bringing together legal experts, policy researchers, government staff, and select law and policy students to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in the rapidly evolving field of AI law and policy.
Scenarios for Shifting US AI Strategy
A full-day workshop convening national security and AI policy experts analyzing a range of AI development scenarios and possible Executive Branch responses.
Securing Advanced AI Systems
A half-day workshop with technical, policy, and legal experts analyzing possible development stages and policy mechanisms for disclosure of advanced AI system capabilities to ensure security preparedness, especially for advanced AI systems deployed internally but not yet publicly released.
FELLOWSHIPS
AI Law and Policy Fellowship
Vista sponsors students and recent graduates to undertake independent research with mentor guidance or to serve as research assistants with law and policy experts.
CONTACT
The Vista Institute for AI Policy is a fiscally sponsored project of Rethink Priorities, EIN 84-3896318.