Episode 2

Shaping the Future of Material Design: Dr. Sam Cooper

In this episode, Jonny Prest speaks with Dr. Sam Cooper, a leading figure in the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials science. Dr. Cooper is at the forefront of applying machine learning to address challenges in material design, particularly in the development of sustainable battery technologies. He leads the Tools for Learning, Design, and Research (TLDR) group and is a co-founder of Polaron, a spinout from Imperial College London that is transforming material design through generative AI.

Key Topics Discussed:

Introduction and Guest Introductions

00:00:00 - 00:02:30

The Role of AI in Sustainable Design

00:02:30 - 00:06:45

Importance of Collaboration Between Industry and Academia

00:06:45 - 00:11:10

Challenges in Scaling AI for Industry Use

00:11:10 - 00:14:30

How AI Can Help Decarbonize Manufacturing

00:14:30 - 00:18:55

Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption in Key Sectors

00:18:55 - 00:22:20

The Future of AI in Reducing Carbon Footprints

00:22:20 - 00:25:45

Public Perception of AI and Climate Solutions

00:25:45 - 00:28:50

How Polaron’s Technology Works in Practice

00:28:50 - 00:31:30

Personal Responsibility vs. Systemic Change in Climate Action

00:31:30 - 00:35:20

The Impact of UK Policy on Renewable Energy (Onshore Wind and North Sea Oil)

00:35:20 - 00:38:45

Government Investment in Clean Energy and Economic Benefits

00:38:45 - 00:41:38

Polaron’s Future Goals: Pilot Studies and Scaling Up

00:41:38 - 00:42:34

Advice for Those Interested in Polaron and AI in Sustainability

00:42:34 - 00:43:19

Final Thoughts and Optimism for the Future of Sustainable Innovation

00:43:19 - End

Dr. Sam Cooper, Reader in AI for Materials Design at the Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London

Sam Cooper Links

Additional Links:

William MacAskill - Author of "Doing Good Better - William MacAskill on Effective Altruism. The Centre for Effective Altruism - The Centre for Effective Altruism

Referenced at 00:34:10:03 – 00:34:34:01

Tesla Master Plans - Tesla Master Plans

Referenced at 00:37:01:05 – 00:37:24:10

Breathe Battery - Breathe Battery Overview

Referenced at 00:37:24:10 – 00:37:51:23

Britishvolt – Article: The Guardian - Britishvolt Article

Referenced at 00:39:01:17 – 00:39:34:18

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Episode 2

Shaping the Future of Material Design: Dr. Sam Cooper

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