I’ve finished two Bachelor’s in Maths and Physics with moderately good grades, but a fairly advanced Thesis (and advanced learning) in Mathematical Logic. I’ve recently learned about the ethical urgency of AI Safety research. With the prospect of getting into that field in the near future (probably along the lines of a Theoretical Research Lead), I now have to face a career decision, and I’d be really thankful if anyone familiar with the academic field of AI research could share their thoughts. My two options are the following:
Taking the Master of Pure and Applied Logic in Barcelona. This Master’s is almost exclusively pure maths, but I’m pretty sure I’d be able to obtain excellent grades.
Undertaking a 3-year PhD in Mathematical Logic in Vienna. The research would again be in some specific areas of pure maths (Recursion Theory, Proof Theory, Set Theory), and I’m pretty certain (but not as much) that I’d be able to obtain good results.
My initial idea was the Master’s might be a better choice for ending up in AI Safety since it leaves open the possibility of later undertaking a PhD closer to AI, and I’d probably be considered a valuable student if I obtain excellent grades. But on the contrary, obtaining a PhD in pure maths being as young as I am might provide even more status. Furthermore, I’m not certain the best way to enter AI academia is necessarily by undertaking an AI-related PhD.
[Question] Which one of these two academic routes should I take to end up in AI Safety?
I’ve finished two Bachelor’s in Maths and Physics with moderately good grades, but a fairly advanced Thesis (and advanced learning) in Mathematical Logic. I’ve recently learned about the ethical urgency of AI Safety research. With the prospect of getting into that field in the near future (probably along the lines of a Theoretical Research Lead), I now have to face a career decision, and I’d be really thankful if anyone familiar with the academic field of AI research could share their thoughts. My two options are the following:
Taking the Master of Pure and Applied Logic in Barcelona. This Master’s is almost exclusively pure maths, but I’m pretty sure I’d be able to obtain excellent grades.
Undertaking a 3-year PhD in Mathematical Logic in Vienna. The research would again be in some specific areas of pure maths (Recursion Theory, Proof Theory, Set Theory), and I’m pretty certain (but not as much) that I’d be able to obtain good results.
My initial idea was the Master’s might be a better choice for ending up in AI Safety since it leaves open the possibility of later undertaking a PhD closer to AI, and I’d probably be considered a valuable student if I obtain excellent grades. But on the contrary, obtaining a PhD in pure maths being as young as I am might provide even more status. Furthermore, I’m not certain the best way to enter AI academia is necessarily by undertaking an AI-related PhD.