Episode 2 - Shaping the Future of Material Design with AI
Welcome to the second episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, where we dive into the cutting-edge intersection of artificial intelligence and material science with Dr. Sam Cooper, a leading expert in the field. In this episode, we explore how AI is revolutionizing sustainable material design, particularly in the development of next-generation battery technologies.
Episode Overview
with timestamps
The discussion focuses on:
- The Role of AI in Sustainable Design (02:30): How machine learning is being applied to design more efficient, sustainable materials for the energy sector.
- Collaboration Between Industry and Academia (06:45): Why partnerships between researchers and businesses are crucial for scaling AI-driven solutions.
- AI’s Impact on Decarbonizing Manufacturing (14:30): How AI can support efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial manufacturing processes.
- Scaling AI for Industry Use (11:10): The challenges and opportunities of bringing AI from the lab to large-scale industrial applications.
- Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption (18:55): What’s holding back the widespread adoption of AI, and how can we address these challenges?
- Future of AI in Sustainability (22:20): Looking ahead to how AI will continue to shape climate solutions and reduce carbon emissions.
- Polaron’s Role in AI for Materials Design (28:50): Insights into Polaron’s groundbreaking work in AI-driven material innovation, particularly for batteries.
- Policy and Economic Impact (35:20): A discussion on the role of UK government policy, onshore wind energy, and the future of North Sea oil in driving clean energy transitions.
Meet Our Guests
Dr. Sam Cooper
Dr. Sam Cooper is a Reader in AI for Materials Design at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London. He leads the Tools for Learning, Design, and Research (TLDR) group, focusing on applying machine learning to solve critical challenges in material design. As co-founder of Polaron, an Imperial College spinout, Dr. Cooper is driving innovation in sustainable materials using generative AI.
- Polaron's Website
- Imperial College News on Polaron
- Connect with Dr Sam Cooper on LinkedIn
- Connect with Dr Sam Cooper on X
- View Sam's profile at Imperial College London
- TLDR Group on X (Twitter)
Host: Jonny Prest
Jonny Prest, Communications Manager at Energy Futures Lab, leads the conversation on the key topics of energy, decarbonisation, and innovation in the UK's path to a sustainable future.
Related Resources
To deepen your understanding of the topics discussed in this episode, explore the following resources:
- 'Doing Good Better' - William MacAskill on Effective Altruism
- The Centre for Effective Altruism
- Tesla's Master Plan
- Breathe Battery Overview
- Britishvolt Article on The Guardian
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