Subvolts take AI is accelerating scientific discovery and conservation efforts, according to Google DeepMind. Feb 16, 2022
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Understand how AI models are applied to complex scientific problems, potentially inspiring new research directions or applications.
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See how AI drives innovation in research and conservation, offering examples of AI's value beyond typical business metrics.
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Learn about AI's role in advancing science and protecting the environment, showing its impact on the world around you.
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This episode features a key leader from Google DeepMind discussing AI's role in scientific breakthroughs and conservation.

Google DeepMind: The Podcast · Ep 6 Episode Official · Google

AI for science

34 min Interview Hosts: Hannah Fry
0:0033:52

Audio streams from Hannah Fry. Your place is remembered on this device.

From Subvolts

Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.

Summary

This Google DeepMind podcast episode features Hannah Fry interviewing Pushmeet Kohli, head of science at DeepMind. They discuss how AI accelerates scientific progress, covering areas like DNA research, nuclear energy, and mathematics. The episode also includes a virtual safari in the Serengeti, showcasing AI's role in wildlife conservation.

Explained simply

Imagine using smart computer programs to help scientists understand life's code, find cleaner energy, or protect animals in the wild. This episode shows how AI is becoming a powerful tool for making new discoveries and solving big problems.

Why listen

This episode offers insight into how AI is actively being used to solve complex scientific challenges, from understanding life's building blocks to protecting ecosystems. It's for anyone curious about AI's practical applications beyond typical consumer tech. The work discussed aligns with Google DeepMind's ongoing commitment to using AI for societal benefit and scientific discovery, mirroring efforts across frontier labs to demonstrate AI's real-world impact.

On the mic
  • HostHannah Fry
  • GuestPushmeet Kohlihead of science, DeepMind
  • GuestDemis HassabisDeepMind
  • GuestSarah Jane DunnDeepMind
  • GuestMeredith PalmerPrinceton University
About
Key facts
  • Episode Title: AI for science
  • Show: Google DeepMind: The Podcast
  • Length: 34 minutes
  • Guest: Pushmeet Kohli, head of science at DeepMind
  • AI Applications: DNA research, nuclear energy, mathematics, wildlife conservation
Show notes from Hannah Fry

Step inside DeepMind's laboratories and you'll find researchers studying DNA to understand the mysteries of life, seeking new ways to use nuclear energy, or putting AI to the test in mind-bending areas of maths. In this episode, Hannah meets Pushmeet Kohli, the head of science at DeepMind, to understand how AI is accelerating scientific progress. Listeners also join Hannah on a [virtual] safari in the Serengeti in East Africa to find out how researchers are using AI to conserve wildlife in one of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems. 

 

For questions or feedback on the series, message us on Twitter @DeepMind or email podcast@deepmind.com. 

 

Interviewees: DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis, Pushmeet Kohli & Sarah Jane Dunn; Meredith Palmer of the Princeton University

 

Credits

Presenter: Hannah Fry

Series Producer: Dan Hardoon

Production support: Jill Achineku

Sounds design: Emma Barnaby

Music composition: Eleni Shaw

Sound Engineer: Nigel Appleton

Editor: David Prest

Commissioned by DeepMind

 

Thank you to everyone who made this season possible! 

 

Further reading:

Using AI for scientific discovery, DeepMind: https://deepmind.com/blog/article/AlphaFold-Using-AI-for-scientific-discovery

DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis on its breakthrough scientific discoveries, WIRED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WRow9FqUbw

The AI revolution in scientific research, The Royal Society: https://royalsociety.org/-/media/policy/projects/ai-and-society/AI-revolution-in-science.pdf

DOE Explains...Tokamaks, Office of Science: https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainstokamaks

How AI Accidentally Learned Ecology by Playing StarCraft, Discover: https://www.discovermagazine.com/technology/how-ai-accidentally-learned-ecology-by-playing-starcraft

Google AI can identify wildlife from trap-camera footage, VentureBeat:
https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/17/googles-ai-can-identify-wildlife-from-trap-camera-footage-with-up-to-98-6-accuracy/

Snapshot Serengeti, Zooniverse:
https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/zooniverse/snapshot-serengeti

The Human Genome Project, National Human Genome Research Institute: https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project

Exploring the beauty of pure mathematics in novel ways, DeepMind: https://deepmind.com/blog/article/exploring-the-beauty-of-pure-mathematics-in-novel-ways

Predicting gene expression with AI, DeepMind: https://deepmind.com/blog/article/enformer

Using machine learning to accelerate ecological research, DeepMind:

DNA
Pushmeet Kohli
the molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms.
Serengeti
Hannah Fry
a vast ecosystem in east-central Africa stretching across northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya.
Published
Show
Google DeepMind: The Podcast · Hannah Fry
Length
34 min
Companies
Google
Products
AlphaFold
Summary by
Subvolts, using an AI model (how we work). Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Questions people ask

What areas of science is DeepMind using AI in?
DeepMind uses AI to study DNA, explore new ways for nuclear energy, and advance mathematics. AI also helps conserve wildlife in ecosystems like the Serengeti.
Who is interviewed in this episode?
The episode features interviews with DeepMind's Pushmeet Kohli, Demis Hassabis, and Sarah Jane Dunn, as well as Meredith Palmer from Princeton University.

Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to Hannah Fry.