Adam Marblestone

Adam Marblestone, CEO of Convergent Research and former Google DeepMind scientist, delves into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and AI. He explains how the brain learns efficiently from minimal data and argues that the secret lies in complex reward functions shaped by evolution. Marblestone highlights how the brain’s predictive cortex contrasts with AI's next-token predictions, and discusses the cellular diversity linked to specific behaviors. The conversation also touches on the implications of this understanding for improving AI systems, including using insights from AI to unlock neural mechanisms.

In this engaging discussion, Kelsey Piper talks with Adam Marblestone, CEO of Convergent Research, and Paul Niehaus, an economics professor and co-founder of GiveDirectly. They delve into the complex factors influencing scientific production, from funding ecosystems to selecting impactful research questions. The trio emphasizes the importance of innovative funding and the cultural dynamics within science. They also explore the balance between academic convention and groundbreaking research, advocating for clearer communication to enhance public trust in science.

This week, Adam Marbleston and Anastasia Gamick, co-founders of Convergent Research, discuss innovative funding models for science. With backgrounds in cutting-edge organizations like Neuralink and Google DeepMind, they emphasize how Focused Research Organizations (FROs) can bridge the gap in American science funding. They champion the idea of investing in small teams tackling big questions, like neuroscience and biotechnologies, and introduce their 'gap map' to pinpoint urgent research needs. Their insights reveal a bold vision for advancing scientific innovation.

Tyler Cowen, an economics professor, shares insights alongside Patrick Hsu, co-founder of the Arc Institute, and Adam Marblestone, CEO of Convergent Research. They explore the transformative power of new funding models like Fast Grants and Flexible Research Organizations, emphasizing their role in fostering innovation. The conversation also highlights the necessity for evolving scientific practices in response to modern challenges, particularly how startup culture invigorates research. They discuss the collaboration needed in life sciences and the impact of AI on scientific breakthroughs.

Adam Marblestone, CEO of Convergent Research and expert in AI, biophysics, and neuroscience, discusses the revolutionary concept of Focused Research Organizations (FROs). He explains how these entities can transform scientific research by offering startup-like structures that address funding and collaboration challenges. Adam explores the implications of FROs on academic careers, emphasizing alternative paths for scientists. He also dives into the influence of large language models on research innovation and the importance of diverse funding mechanisms to drive scientific progress.