David Rolnick and Sara Beery Honored as Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Fellows

Schmidt Sciences has named David Rolnick and Sara Beery as 2024 AI2050 fellows, recognizing their pioneering contributions to artificial intelligence and its application for societal benefit. 

The AI2050 program, launched by Schmidt Sciences, provides up to $12 million in fellowships to researchers developing AI solutions for global challenges.

David Rolnick, an assistant professor at Mila-Quebec AI Institute and McGill University, focuses on using AI to combat climate change, including optimizing renewable energy systems and improving environmental monitoring. Sara Beery, an assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specializes in leveraging AI for biodiversity conservation, enabling improved monitoring of ecosystems and endangered species.

Both scholars are integral members of the ABC Global Climate Center, where their innovative approaches to AI address critical issues at the intersection of technology and the environment. Their work aligns with the center’s mission to advance solutions for climate resilience and sustainability, making significant strides in protecting the planet.

The AI2050 fellowship is one of the most prestigious awards in artificial intelligence, supporting researchers who imagine a future where AI profoundly benefits humanity. Previous fellows include luminaries such as Fei-Fei Li, co-founder of World Labs, and Daniela Rus, a trailblazer in liquid neural networks.

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform our lives for the better, particularly by accelerating scientific progress in profound ways,” said Eric Schmidt, co-chair of AI2050. “We look forward to seeing how the 2024 fellows help shape a future where AI serves the greater good.”

With their groundbreaking work, Rolnick and Beery exemplify the transformative potential of AI to address pressing environmental challenges, reinforcing the ABC Global Climate Center’s commitment to a sustainable future.