S2, EP7 - Prof. Michael Mahoney - Perspectives on AI4Science
In this episode of the Neil Ashton podcast, Professor Michael Mahoney discusses the intersection of machine learning, mathematics, and computer science. The conversation covers topics such as randomized linear algebra, foundational models for science, and the debate between physics-informed and data-driven approaches. Prof. Mahoney shares insights on the relevance of his research, the potential of using randomness in algorithms, and the evolving landscape of machine learning in scientific disciplines. He also discusses the evolution and practical applications of randomized linear algebra in machine learning, emphasizing the importance of randomness and data availability. He explores the tension between traditional scientific methods and modern machine learning approaches, highlighting the need for collaboration across disciplines. Prof Mahoney also addresses the challenges of data licensing and the commercial viability of machine learning solutions, offering insights for aspiring researchers in the field.Prof. Mahoney website: https://www.stat.berkeley.edu/~mmahoney/Google scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QXyvv94AAAAJ&hl=enYoutube version: https://youtu.be/lk4lvKQsqWUChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:51 Understanding Randomized Linear Algebra19:09 Foundational Models for Science32:29 Physics-Informed vs Data-Driven Approaches38:36 The Practical Application of Randomized Linear Algebra39:32 Creative Destruction in Linear Algebra and Machine Learning40:32 The Role of Randomness in Scientific Machine Learning41:56 Identifying Commonalities Across Scientific Domains42:52 The Horizontal vs. Vertical Application of Machine Learning44:19 The Challenge of Common Architectures in Science46:31 Data Availability and Licensing Issues50:04 The Future of Foundation Models in Science54:21 The Commercial Viability of Machine Learning Solutions58:05 Emerging Opportunities in Scientific Machine Learning01:00:24 Navigating Academia and Industry in Machine Learning01:11:15 Advice for Aspiring Scientific Machine Learning ResearchersKeywordsmachine learning, randomized linear algebra, foundational models, physics-informed neural networks, data-driven science, computational efficiency, academic advice, numerical methods, AI in science, engineering, Randomized Linear Algebra, Machine Learning, Scientific Computing, Data Availability, Foundation Models, Academia, Industry, Research, Algorithms, Innovation