Why National Labs are investing (heavily) in AI

Download a print-friendly version of this article. Jason Pruet is working with teams across the Laboratory to help prepare for a future in which artificial intelligence will reshape the landscape of science and security. Five years ago, he viewed AI as just another valuable tool, but because of recent advances in the power of large AI models, Pruet now believes AI will be broadly disruptive. He no longer views the technology as just a tool, but as a fundamental shift in how scientists approach problems and make discoveries. The global race humanity is now in is about how to harness the technology’s potential while mitigating its harms. 1663: This year, the Lab invested more in AI-related work than at any point in history. You’ve spoken about government investment in AI in terms of returning to a post–World War II paradigm of science for the public good. Can you expand on that? JP: Before World War II, the government wasn’t really involved in science the way we think of it today. But ... Read full article.