Programmes and Courses
We offer young researchers and students interdisciplinary learning opportunities
in the field of safe AI.
Course on AI Safety
This course was held in autumn 2025. We plan to offer it again, subscribe to our mailing list for updates.
What?
The development of advanced artificial intelligence could be one of this century's most transformative achievements. However, today's machine learning systems present challenges that may be magnified as they become more capable. AI safety concerns ensuring that AI systems are ethical, reliable, and aligned with human values and goals.
The Fundamentals of AI Safety programme is designed to make the space of AI alignment and AI governance more accessible. Since the field is still emerging, there are no textbooks or widespread university courses, so this programme helps fill that gap.
We are offering two tracks: technical and governance.
Questions? Send an email to info@tutke.org.
When?
Applications close: Sunday, October 5
Program duration: Weekly meetings between October 13 and December 5.
Days and times will be agreed based on the group's shared availability.
Where?
There will be weekly group sessions in Helsinki and Otaniemi (Espoo).
Content
The courses consist of an eight-week study period. Each week comprises selected readings and exercises that take about three hours in total to complete. The weekly meeting lasts 1½ hours. The course material is in English, and group discussions may also be held in English.
Both the alignment and governance tracks' curricula are based on the courses designed by BlueDot Impact. Governance covers AI policy, risk analysis, and regulatory strategies; Alignment covers machine learning and safety concepts, like interpretability, robustness, and model evaluation.
The curricula for both tracks can be found here:
Frequently asked questions
Is the programme free of charge?
Yes, the course is free for participants. The Finnish Center for Safe AI Tutke is a non-profit organisation that promotes scientific understanding and public awareness of the development of safe artificial intelligence. Tutke is organising this course to further this mission.
What background knowledge do I need?
Technical track: You will need basic knowledge of linear algebra and statistics. Prior knowledge of machine learning is not required, though it is an advantage. Governance track: No specific background knowledge is required.
Should I apply for the technical or governance track?
We recommend choosing the track best suited to your interests and background. The technical track goes deeper into AI alignment and proposed technical solutions, while the governance track examines how risks from advanced AI can be addressed through standards and regulation. If you have a STEM background, we usually recommend the technical track. If you have a humanities or otherwise less technical background, or you have experience in politics and decision-making, we recommend the governance track.
Can I sign up for both tracks?
We have limited capacity, so we can admit each participant to only one track. However, you are welcome to read the other track's materials and apply to it at a later time.
Technical Bootcamp (FAEB)
This programme was held in summer 2025. We plan to offer it again, subscribe to our mailing list for updates.
A collaboration between Tutke and Effective Altruism Finland
What?
This summer, Tutke is excited to host a 6-week technical AI safety bootcamp, based on the widely respected ARENA course curriculum.
The programme begins with five weeks of remote learning, where participants will work through the ARENA material with support from a teaching assistant. In the final week, everyone will come together in Finland to collaborate on their own technical AI safety projects applying skills and knowledge gained during the course.
We're looking for participants who care deeply about ensuring AI has a positive long-term impact and are serious about understanding and addressing the technical risks of advanced AI.
For more information about the curriculum we're using, see the ARENA course.
Questions? Send an email to info@tutke.org.
When and where?
Applications close: Friday 30.5.
The program consists of phases:
- Remote phase: 16.6.2025-20.7.2025
- In-person phase in Helsinki: 21.7.2025-27.7.2025
Content
We'll be following a slightly reduced version of the curriculum of the ARENA programme, which we've adapted to make the workload more manageable while retaining the core technical depth.
Two commitments levels are available:
- Foundations track: ~20 hours weekly
- Comprehensive track: ~40 hours weekly
Regardless of track, participants are expected to dedicate at least 20 hours to the programme. This includes engaging with readings, completing exercises, joining co-working sessions, and collaborating with peers.
Participants will receive guidance from a teaching assistant, share weekly updates, and benefit from a structured routine of discussion and accountability.
Programme Details
Who is the programme suitable for?
We encourage applications from individuals who meet most or all of the following criteria:
- A strong interest in AI safety and a desire to contribute to the beneficial development of future AI systems
- Relatively strong mathematical skills, especially linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory
- Experience coding in Python and proficient programming skills
- Ability to travel to Finland for the last week of the program.
If you're uncertain whether you meet the criteria, please err on the side of applying.
Applicants from all experience levels are welcome!
How is the program structured?
The program runs for six weeks:
Remote phase (Weeks 1–5): Participants will engage in regular co-working sessions, receive support from a teaching assistant, share weekly updates, and benefit from peer collaboration.
We offer two commitment levels to accommodate different schedules:
- Foundations track: ~20 hours weekly commitment
- Comprehensive track: ~40 hours weekly commitment
Participants will be assigned to cohorts based on their selected commitment level.
In-person project week (Week 6): Held in Helsinki, this final week includes daily TA-assisted co-working sessions from Monday to Thursday, culminating in project presentations on Friday.
The weekend will be dedicated to social events and in-depth discussions on AI safety.
Is the bootcamp free of charge?
Yes, participation in the program is free. For participants traveling from outside Finland, accommodation will be provided during the in-person project week in Helsinki.
We aim to cover travel costs where possible, but cannot guarantee this in all cases. Participants should also expect to cover their own meals and incidental expenses.
Is support available if I have questions or get stuck while working through the course?
Participants will be supported by a teaching assistant, Vili Kohonen, a doctoral student in Mathematics and a participant in the official ARENA program (spring 2025). He brings direct experience with the course material and will provide guidance throughout the program.