S1, EP11 - Prof. Max Welling - Machine Learning Pioneer & AI4Science Visionary

In this episode, Neil interviews Professor Max Welling, one of the foremost experts in Machine Learning about AI4Science: the use of machine learning and AI to solve challenges in various scientific disciplines. They discuss and debate between data-driven and physics-driven approaches, the potential for foundational models, the importance of open sourcing models and data, the challenges of data sharing in science, and the ethical considerations of releasing powerful models. The conversation covers the role of academia, industry, and startups in driving innovation, with a focus on the field of AI. Professor Welling discusses the advantages and limitations of each sector and shares his experience in academia, big tech companies, and startups. The conversation then shifts to Professor Wellings  new company; CuspAI, which focuses on material discovery for carbon capture using metal organic frameworks and machine learning. Prof. Welling provides insights into the potential applications of this technology and the importance of addressing sustainability challenges. The conversation concludes with a discussion on career advice and the future of AI for science.

Links 

CuspAI : https://www.cusp.ai 
University website: https://staff.fnwi.uva.nl/m.welling/
Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8200InoAAAAJ&hl=en
AI4Science NeurIPS 2023 workshop: https://neurips.cc/virtual/2023/workshop/66548 
AI4Science NeurIPS 2022 workshop: https://nips.cc/virtual/2022/workshop/50019
Aurora paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.13063 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Neil Ashton Podcast
00:39 Guest Introduction: Professor Max Welling
11:12 Data-Driven vs. Physics-Driven Approaches in Machine Learning for Science
17:00 Foundational models for science
23:08 Discussion around Open-Sourcing Models and Data
29:26 Ethical Considerations in Releasing Powerful Models for Public Use
33:14 Collaboration and Shared Resources in Addressing Global Challenges
34:07 The Role of Academia, Industry, and Startups
43:27 Material Discovery for Carbon Capture
52:02 Career Advice for Early-stage Researchers
01:01:07 The Future of AI for Science and Sustainability

Keywords

AI for science, machine learning, data-driven approaches, physics-driven approaches, foundational models, open sourcing, data sharing, ethical considerations, blockchain technology, academia, industry, startups, AI, material discovery, carbon capture, metal organic frameworks, machine learning, sustainability, career advice, future of AI for science