EP 14: Andrew Trask (OpenMined)

In this insightful interview, Vasileios Maroulas discusses his journey from Greece to the US, his research in AI and data science, and the impactful work of the AI Tennessee initiative. Discover how academia, industry, and government collaborate to advance AI research and workforce development in Tennessee.

In this episode, SeedAI Director of Policy, Josh New, sits down with Kevin Weil, who at the time of this recording was VP of OpenAI for Science.Kevin and Josh dig into how OpenAI's science team is hiring practicing mathematicians, physicists, and biologists to push frontier models past the edge of human knowledge, and how AI is being built directly into the day-to-day workflows of working scientists. Kevin discusses OpenAI's role in the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission and what it could mean for fields like fusion. The conversation also covers the barriers still slowing adoption across the scientific community, and why peer review and human expertise remain essential even as AI takes on a larger role at the bench.This conversation was recorded on March 10th, before Kevin's departure from OpenAI. Enjoy the show!

In this interview, Andrew explains why many of today’s biggest AI challenges—like privacy, data access, and control—are really problems of information governance, and shares a vision for a future where better data governance could accelerate breakthroughs in everything from healthcare to financial systems.

Richard Fox, Head of Innovation at BitBiome, shares insights into the future of biotechnology, protein engineering, and AI-driven biological discovery. Discover how microbial diversity, data, and AI are revolutionizing medicine, manufacturing, and environmental solutions.

In this conversation, Edward Shenderovich, co-founder and CEO of Roebling, discusses the intersection of business and science, particularly in the realm of bio-manufacturing. He shares insights on the importance of integrating engineering principles early in the scientific process to optimize production and commercialization. The discussion covers the challenges faced in bio-manufacturing, the role of data in matching production needs, and the future of manufacturing with AI. Edward emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how scientists approach their work, advocating for early consideration of scalability and production processes.

In this episode of Accelerate Science Now, host Adeline DeYoung interviews Rick Stevens, Associate Laboratory Director at Argonne National Lab. They discuss the evolution of computing and AI in science, the transformative role of AI in research, and the initiatives at Argonne aimed at accelerating scientific discovery. The conversation also covers the Genesis mission, a national initiative to leverage AI for scientific advancement, and the critical role of national labs in shaping the future of technology and research.

In this conversation, Charles Yang discusses his journey from a material science major to becoming the executive director of the Center for Industrial Strategy. He shares insights on the intersection of AI and science, the importance of industrial policy, and the role of government in fostering innovation. Yang emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective regarding AI as a tool rather than a replacement for scientists, and he highlights the significance of autonomous labs in advancing scientific research. He also introduces his new project, Bench Signal, which focuses on the adoption of scientific instruments and their impact on research. Throughout the discussion, Yang offers valuable advice for early career researchers and technologists.

In this episode, Nick Edwards, co-founder and CEO of Potato, shares his journey from neuroscience to entrepreneurship, discussing the transformative role of AI in scientific research. He introduces Potato's AI scientist, Tater, which assists researchers in conducting experiments and analyzing data. The conversation explores the implications of AI for accelerating scientific discovery, the importance of quality control in research, and the future of AI in science education. Nick also offers advice for early career researchers and emphasizes the need for collaboration between industry and academia.

In this conversation, Dr. Erwin Gianchandani discusses his journey from a childhood fascination with meteorology to leading the National Science Foundation's Technology Innovation Partnerships (TIP). He emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between research and market, the need for a diverse workforce, and the innovative initiatives like Tech Labs aimed at accelerating technology transfer. Dr. Gianchandani also highlights the significance of measuring success through new metrics beyond traditional academic outputs, advocating for collaboration across sectors to enhance the U.S. innovation landscape.

In this conversation, Sree Ramaswamy discusses his journey from engineering to consulting and government, highlighting the importance of innovation in national security and the impact of manufacturing decisions on American competitiveness. He shares insights on the Chips and Science Act, the challenges of government R&D funding, and the mission of the Noble Reach Foundation to foster talent and purposeful technology. Ramaswamy emphasizes the need for collaboration across sectors to address pressing challenges and build a robust innovation ecosystem in the U.S.