This story was originally published by the Department of Computer Science
Robotics Institute researcher, Florian Shkurti, has received a AI2050 fellowship from Schmidt Sciences to advance research that harnesses AI’s full potential to serve humanity.
The AI2050 program asks researchers to imagine the year 2050, where AI has been hugely beneficial, and to pursue projects that help society realize this. The program funds senior researchers and early career scholars for two years to address a wide range of global challenges in AI.
Shkurti, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and in the Department of Mathematical & Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga, has been named an Early Career Fellow. His AI2050 project aims to revolutionize materials discovery by developing autonomous, “self-driving” labs that integrate advanced AI and robotics. This approach involves creating AI-driven methods for efficiently generating hypotheses about chemical properties, developing machine learning models for predicting the behaviour of challenging lab materials like liquids and powders and equipping robots with the ability to safely manipulate these materials.
Schmidt Sciences is a philanthropic organization that accelerates scientific knowledge and breakthroughs to support a thriving world. Founded in 2024, Schmidt Sciences brings together the science-focused efforts of Eric and Wendy Schmidt. The organization prioritizes research in six focus areas: AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, science systems and space.