The future of generative AI for scientific discovery | Microsoft Research

Most of us think of generative AI in the context of text or image generation, but it’s also a powerful tool for scientific discovery. In this episode, Susan speaks with Ade Famoti, a senior leader on the Microsoft Research Accelerator team, about what he calls “AI’s physics moment,” and why he believes generative AI feels fundamentally different from past platform shifts. Ade shares examples of the work Microsoft Research is doing to uncover the opportunities of generative AI for materials discovery—to improve energy efficiency and carbon capture, and for drug discovery, to fight disease. Ade also highlights the role of culture in building trust, informing priorities and driving adoption of emerging technologies.

Air Date: February 25, 2025

Chapters:
00:00 – 01:23 Introduction
01:23 – 03:05 Ade Famoti’s career journey
03:05 – 09:43 The transformative impact of AI
09:43 – 12:43 Energy storage and AI
12:43 – 16:42 Drug discovery and AI
16:42 – 21:56 Embodied AI and culture
21:56 – 25:23 Advice for leaders
25:23 – 27:43 Conclusion and key takeaways

Show notes:
Guest: Ade Famoti at Microsoft Research: https://msft.it/6059UfzV9
Host: Susan Etlinger on LinkedIn: https://msft.it/6050UfzVi

Learn more about AI and Materials Discovery: https://msft.it/6051UfzVc
Learn more about Microsoft Research: https://msft.it/6052UfzVY
Learn more about AI for Science: https://msft.it/6053UfzVl
Read more about inorganic materials design: https://msft.it/6054UfzVm

Learn more about Microsoft Azure: https://msft.it/6055UfzVW
Executive insights on cloud and AI innovation: https://msft.it/6056UfzVo
Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts: https://msft.it/6057UfzVU

The Leading the Shift podcast is a place for experts to share their insights and opinions. As students of the future of technology, Microsoft values inputs from a diverse set of voices. That said, the opinions and findings of our guests are their own and they may not necessarily reflect Microsoft’s own research or positions.

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The AI platform shift brings immense opportunity, but the road to success isn’t always clear. On Leading the Shift, we talk to people doing just that—leading the platform shift in organizations of all kinds to learn with them along the way. Guests share personal experiences and pragmatic advice for navigating first-of-their-kind challenges and delivering meaningful, trustworthy innovation to their teams, customers, and communities. Whether you’re a decision-maker, a developer, or just curious about this new era of tech, join us to hear how real people tackle real innovation, in real life.

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