Artificial Intelligence for Molecular Sciences
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way people work. IFI is spearheading research on this human-technology frontier based on Aladdin, an experimental platform being developed to reimagine design with explainable AI (XAI) — in the context of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Aladdin empowers people to design their own energy future with XAI that is transparent and trustworthy.
Scientists have long relied on imaging to visualize invisible phenomena and thus advance science. IFI is developing the Infrared Explorer to realize the educational promise of scientific imaging using low-cost thermal imaging as an example. Our work shows how scientific imaging can open a whole new world previously unseen and enable people to make their own scientific discoveries. The technology is particularly useful in physical sciences. For instance, chemists often use visually striking color changes shown by pH, redox, and other indicators to detect or track reactions. Thermal imaging represents a novel class of universal indicators that use false color heat maps to visualize chemical processes.
IFI is joining the no-code movement by developing a conceptual programming environment that allows students to solve complex computational problems in math, science, and engineering without having to write a single line of code. Through this work, IFI is committed to broadening student participation in computer science with an innovative technology that can lower the programming barrier by focusing students on concepts, rather than syntaxes, of computational problems.
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed an Achilles heel of today's powerful online learning technology. While a variety of educational activities can migrate online, many science experiments cannot be easily moved. Millions of students, especially those in underserved communities, are missing out on an indispensable part of science education — laboratory experiences. IFI is responding to this crisis with an innovative solution.
