Artificial Intelligence in the physical sciences: leveraging AI for scientific discovery

Join us to find out how AI is changing the way Cambridge scientists generate, test, and interpret knowledge

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how scientific discovery happens, from automated laboratories and data-driven experiments to large-scale climate and atmospheric modelling.

As AI tools become more powerful, scientists must navigate new questions: when does a model reveal genuine insight, and when is it simply identifying patterns? How do we validate results, interpret uncertainty, and retain human judgement in increasingly automated workflows?

Chaired by Professor James Fergusson, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, we will explore how AI is used in practice across the physical sciences, and what that means for scientific understanding. You will hear from:

• Professor Alex Archibald (Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry)
• Dr Matt Osman (Department of Geography)
• Professor Shijing Sun (Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy)

Through examples spanning materials science, atmospheric chemistry, and climate modelling, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is transforming not just the speed of discovery, but the nature of scientific knowledge itself.

Register: https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/events/artificial-intelligence-in-the-physical-sciences-leveraging-ai-for-scientific-discovery

6pm – Drinks reception and networking
Join us for drinks and canapés, with the opportunity to meet and speak with students and researchers from the physical sciences working at the forefront of AI-driven research.

6:45pm – Talks
We will move into the auditorium for a series of short, accessible talks from our speakers, exploring how AI is shaping scientific discovery across the physical sciences.

7:30pm – Audience Q&A
Following the talks, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion.

8pm - Event closes