Mission

Mitigate catastrophic risks from advanced AI.

Our Path Forward

Short-term: Further establish our presence at UVA and build a core group of active and dedicated members. Internally, expand operational capacity to support future programs.

Long-term: Maintain a thriving organization that provides the UVA community with opportunities to upskill, discuss, research, and meaningfully contribute to the most pressing challenges in AI governance and technical alignment.

History

VAISI was founded in Summer 2025 by UVA students who recognized that UVA lacked a dedicated community for students passionate about AI risk and alignment. With support from the Kairos Pathfinders Fellowship, they secured the mentorship, funding, and global network to establish a meaningful and enduring initiative.

We launched in Fall 2025 with weekly discussions exploring core concepts in AI governance, risk, and alignment. This semester, we're expanding with a dedicated AI governance fellowship, deepening our engagement with both the technical and policy dimensions of this critical field.

We are in the process of becoming a UVA Contracted Independent Organization (CIO).