The Most Interesting Thing in A.I. Artificial Life - with Nicholas Thompson and Lee Cronin
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Nov 5, 2025 
Lee Cronin, Regius Chair of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow and founder of Chemify, discusses his groundbreaking work in digitizing chemistry. He explains how his team designs and 'prints' molecules to create new drugs and materials. Lee dives into assembly theory, addressing the origins of life through evolutionary processes and inorganic selection. He also explores the potential for AI to evolve autonomy, questioning if machines could ever be considered truly alive. Cronin’s insights bridge the gap between chemistry and the future of artificial intelligence.
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Early Chemistry Sparks
- Lee Cronin started chemistry as a child by convincing local pharmacists to sell him inorganic chemicals to set on fire.
- His parents later gave him a proper chemistry set to channel that curiosity safely.
Chemistry Needs A Programming Language
- Cronin proposes a programming language for chemistry to standardize experiments and make results reproducible.
- Standardizing variables like order, volumes, temperature, and timings lets chemists digitize and share exact protocols.
Record Every Experimental Parameter
- Standardize all experimental variables (cup size, order, temperature, volumes, contact times) before digitizing a protocol.
- Record each parameter so others can exactly replicate the procedure from the digital recipe.