How to Make AI Faster and Smarter—With a Little Help from Physics

What is the AI ​​scientist – just a type of fantasy neurons?

It is not a single neural network, but rather a set of computer programs that can help scientists make new discoveries. My group has already developed algorithms that can help with individual tasks, such as weather forecasts, identification of world temperature rise or try to discover causal relationships such as the effects of vaccination policies on the transmission of diseases.

We are now building a wider “foundation” model which is versatile enough to manage several tasks. Scientists collect data from all types of instruments, and we want our model to include a variety of data types: numbers, text, images and videos. We have a first prototype, but we want to make our model more complete, smarter and better formed before freeing it. It could happen in a few years.

What do you imagine that it could do?

The AI ​​can help practically at each stage of the scientific discovery process. When I say “AI scientist”, I really mean an AI scientific assistant. The stage of the study of the literature in an experience, for example, generally requires a massive effort of data collection and organization. But now, a large language model can read and summarize thousands of books in a single lunch break. What AI is not good is to judge scientific validity. In this case, he cannot compete with an experienced researcher. Although AI can help the generation of hypotheses, the design of experiences and data analysis, it still cannot perform sophisticated experiences.

How far would you like to see the concept go?

As I imagine, an AI scientist could relieve researchers from certain chores while allowing people to manage the creative aspects of science. This is something in which we are particularly good. Rest assured, the objective is not to replace human scientists. I do not imagine – and I would never see – a machine substituting or interfering with human creativity.

Original story reprinted with the permission of How many magazinean independent editorial publication of Simons Foundation whose mission is to improve the understanding of the public of science by covering the developments of research and the trends of mathematics and physical sciences and life.