The AI startup Anthropic has unveiled a new program that will enable scientists to speed up discoveries with artificial intelligence. The program, known as AI for Science, is intended to support high-impact research in biology, life sciences and other data-intensive fields.
On Monday, Anthropic announced its AI for Science program, which provides selected researchers with up to $20,000 of API credits over a six-month period. There these scientists will be able to use Anthropic’s AI models, like the Claude family, to work on projects that have high scientific and social impact.
To be eligible, researchers must make the case that AI will enhance their work in a meaningful way. Realot will be considered on the scientific quality, potential impact and feasibility, as well as safety and security, in particular that the research cannot be misused.
Anthropic is banking its models will make a difference on fields inluding:
- Genetic data analysis
- Complex systems in biology at a glance
- Drug discovery for global diseases The emergence of Zika, Ebola etc.
- Increasing agricultural productivity
AI is increasingly being thought of as a tool that can rewrite the scientific process. Anthropic joins tech giants like Google and OpenAI in looking at how AI can serve as a kind of research assistant that can analyze data, come up with hypotheses, and even plan experiments.
But the results have been mixed so far. While companies promise speedier discoveries, many scientists tredadm carefully. The reliability of A.I., especially in high-stakes industries like medicine, is a major concern. In one instance, Google’s AI was heralded for its role in discovering 40 new materials, but external reviewers determined that none were actually novel.
Anthropic wants to reverse that story. By working directly with scientists and targeting real-world problems, the company is betting that its models can break some ground where others have faltered.
The move reflects what appears to be a growing determination among AI companies to move beyond chatbots and into the realm of hard science. Promising as the prospect is, the road is not an easy one. Still, for researchers who require computing power and smart tools, Anthropic’s program could provide a necessary crutch.
