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.

Read the full transcript here. What are focused research organizations? Which kinds of research projects lend themselves to the FRO model? Researchers in academia frequently complain about the incentive structures around funding and publishing; so how do FROs change those dynamics? Why must FROs be time-limited, especially if they're successful? Who's in charge in an FRO? How does "field-building" help to improve science? What effects might large language models have on science?Adam Marblestone is the CEO of Convergent Research. He's been launching Focused Research Organizations (FROs) such as E11 bio and Cultivarium. He also serves on the boards of several non-profits pursuing new methods of funding and organizing scientific research including Norn Group and New Science. Previously, he was a Schmidt Futures Innovation Fellow, a consultant for the Astera Institute, a Fellow with the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), a research scientist at Google DeepMind, Chief Strategy Officer of the brain-computer interface company Kernel, a research scientist at MIT, a PhD student in biophysics with George Church and colleagues at Harvard, and a theoretical physics student at Yale. He also previously helped to start companies like BioBright and advised foundations such as the Open Philanthropy Project. His work has been recognized with a Technology Review 35 Innovators Under 35 Award (2018), a Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellowship (2010), and a Goldwater Scholarship (2008). Learn more about him at adammarblestone.org. StaffSpencer Greenberg — Host / DirectorJosh Castle — ProducerRyan Kessler — Audio EngineerUri Bram — FactotumWeAmplify — TranscriptionistsMiles Kestran — MarketingMusicBroke for FreeJosh WoodwardLee RosevereQuiet Music for Tiny Robotswowamusiczapsplat.comAffiliatesClearer ThinkingGuidedTrackMind EasePositlyUpLift[Read more]

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, discusses his innovative work in scientific research funding and the rise of Focused Research Organizations (FROs). He highlights how FROs tackle critical gaps, promoting collaboration and attracting top talent in fields like biotechnology and neurotechnology. The conversation also explores AI's role in enhancing mathematical proofs and creating safer applications. Marblestone emphasizes 'existential hope,' balancing optimism with risk, as a pathway to harness technology for global challenges, ultimately envisioning a transformative future for science.

How do Roombas illustrate the promise and peril of translational research? Which valley of death is really the worst valley of death? And how can woolly mammoths save the planet from climate change?   To discuss, I have on: Andrew Sosanya, Policy Analyst for the Day One Project Adam Marblestone of Schmidt Futures (his policy proposal: https://www.dayoneproject.org/post/focused-research-organizations-to-accelerate-science-technology-and-medicine, his blog https://longitudinal.blog/, geo-engineering https://longitudinal.blog/co2-series-part-3-other-interventions/) Orin Hoffman at The Engine (his policy proposal: https://www.engine.xyz/news-item/a-unified-government-vc-approach-to-crossing-the-valleys-of-death/) Please consider supporting ChinaTalk at https://glow.fm/chinatalk/ Outtro Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIh4GFUKaSE  Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices