Microsoft Research Podcast

Ciaran Martin, a professor at Oxford and former head of the UK's National Cybersecurity Center, and Tori Westerhoff, Principal Director at Microsoft’s AI Red Team, dive deep into the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. They discuss the importance of differentiated cybersecurity standards and the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing security. Martin shares insights from historical events, while Westerhoff highlights how red teaming can pinpoint AI vulnerabilities during development, ensuring safer technological advancements.

Daphne Koller, CEO of InCitro, Noubar Afeyan, founder of Flagship Pioneering, and Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, explore the revolutionary impact of AI in biomedical research. They discuss AI's role in accelerating drug target identification and transforming biotech R&D. Exciting advancements include a promising ALS drug target and the vision of creating a virtual cell within a decade. The trio emphasizes AI's potential in personalized medicine and the significance of embracing skepticism in innovation.

In this intriguing discussion, Daniel Carpenter, a Harvard government expert on FDA regulations, Timo Minssen, a Copenhagen law professor specializing in biomedical innovation, and Chad Atalla from Microsoft Research explore the complexities of AI in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They delve into the evolving FDA landscape, the critical balance between innovation and safety in drug approvals, and the innovative strategies needed for efficient clinical trials. The group highlights the importance of aligning AI technologies with societal values and overcoming bias in AI systems.

Alta Charo, emerita professor of law and bioethics, shares her expertise in biotechnology policy, focusing on the regulatory landscape of genome editing. She discusses the importance of differentiating hazards from risks in biotechnological advances. Daniel Kluttz from Microsoft dives into how lessons from genome editing can shape AI governance. The conversation emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks and international coordination in both fields, ensuring a responsible balance between innovation and oversight.

Amanda Craig Deckard, Senior Director of Public Policy at Microsoft, leads a team committed to responsible AI development. In this discussion, she shares insights on AI testing and evaluation as essential governance tools. The conversation covers the intricacies of AI governance, drawing lessons from cybersecurity and finance. Amanda highlights the need for collaborative frameworks among industry, academia, and government, emphasizing trust and scientific standards in navigating AI’s complex risks.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chair of the Gates Foundation, collaborates with Sébastien Bubeck, a research lead at OpenAI and former Microsoft scientist, to explore AI's revolutionary impact on healthcare. They discuss how generative AI can empower patients through enhanced medical intelligence. The conversation highlights AI's potential to alleviate administrative burdens, improve diagnostic accuracy, and reshape medical practices while underscoring the necessity of human oversight in mental health and beyond.

Ethan Mollick, an associate professor at the Warden School, and Azeem Azhar, a pioneering tech author and speaker, dive into AI's profound impact on healthcare. They discuss the urgent shortage of primary care physicians exacerbated by burnout and explore how generative AI can revolutionize the healthcare workforce. The duo emphasizes the need for innovative education and regulatory frameworks as AI transforms medical decision-making. They also highlight the potential of wearable tech for proactive health monitoring, reshaping patient-clinician dynamics.

The emergence of foundation models has sparked interest in applications to single-cell biology, but when tested in zero-shot settings, they underperform compared to simpler methods. Alex Lu shares insights on why more research on AI models is needed in biological applications.Show notes

Join researchers as they unveil Aurora, a groundbreaking AI model transforming environmental forecasting. Discover how this innovative approach enhances predictions for weather, air pollution, and ocean waves. They delve into the remarkable dual pre-training and fine-tuning processes that power Aurora's performance. While celebrating its achievements, the team candidly discusses current limitations and the future of probabilistic forecasting. Explore the collaborative efforts driving advancements in environmental science!

Will Guyman, Group Product Manager at Microsoft Health and Life Sciences, joins a panel to explore the revolutionary impact of generative AI in healthcare. They discuss how AI is transforming workflows and patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for collaboration between tech and medical professionals. The conversation dives into the challenges of implementing AI models in clinical settings and the importance of continuous feedback in driving innovation. Unique case studies and the role of platforms like Microsoft Teams in enhancing communication are also highlighted.