Big dreams, small budget. NSF's director on funding AI research
May 13, 2024
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NSF Director discusses challenges in funding AI research, urges Congress to support with $81B budget. Highlights innovative financial strategies, collaborative industry efforts, and AI projects in agriculture and education.
Federal support for AI research is crucial for driving discoveries and innovative technologies.
The National Science Foundation partners with industry giants to fund AI projects with real-world applications like pest detection and speech language pathology.
Deep dives
The Importance of Research for US Competitiveness
Research plays a crucial role in enhancing US competitiveness by promoting innovation and empowering ventures. It also aids in enriching and upskilling talents in various educational levels, ultimately contributing to out-innovating and out-competing other nations.
Significance of Federal Government Investments in Research
The federal government's foundational investments are vital for driving discoveries that lead to innovative technologies. While industry investments are essential, there is a clear need for increased federal support to foster discoveries, innovations, and translational technologies.
Role of AI Research Projects and the National AI Research Resource (NAR)
The NAR aims to democratize AI resources to unleash ideas and talent across various sectors. Partnering with industry giants like NVIDIA and Google, the NAR funds projects that empower sectors such as agriculture and education through AI. The projects focus on real-world applications like pest detection in agriculture and AI augmentation for speech language pathologists, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in practical settings.
President Biden’s signature CHIPS and Science Act promised the National Science Foundation a budget boost of $81 billion over five years. But so far, Congress hasn’t come through with the money. That has Sethuraman Panchanathan, the director of the NSF, persuading lawmakers to loosen the national purse strings, while in the meantime, cobbling together money from the NSF’s shrinking budget and the private sector to fund AI research projects. Steven Overly talked with "Panch" for today's episode of Politico Tech.