Key facts
- The U.S. will invest $5 billion in AI-driven scientific research.
- The initiative aims to identify causes of chronic diseases and accelerate drug discovery.
- Longer-lasting building materials will also be developed using AI.
- Fifteen federal agencies are involved in the project.
- Microsoft will contribute $40 million in AI computing credits over three years.
The U.S. government will invest $5 billion to advance scientific research across various fields using artificial intelligence, as announced by the Trump administration. The initiative aims to tackle complex issues such as identifying the root causes of chronic diseases, speeding up drug discovery, and creating more durable building materials.
Scientists involved in the project will gain access to the Department of Energy's supercomputing capabilities, AI tools, and extensive datasets. Michael Kratsios, chief technology adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that the effort seeks to unify different agencies working on distinct domains under a larger AI for science framework.
In addition to the research funding, the administration plans to reform how federal research is financed, shifting support towards individual scientists and AI applications rather than solely universities. A White House report authored by Kratsios indicated this change would allow for greater governmental control over fund allocation, emphasizing political accountability in federal science support.
Microsoft has pledged to support the initiative by donating $40 million in AI computing credits over a three-year period. The U.S. government possesses vast datasets relevant to scientific inquiry, including information on chemicals, critical minerals, and patient health, which will be utilized to train AI models for scientific problem-solving.