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 

• Polaron’s Website 
• Imperial College London 
• Imperial College News on Polaron 
• Dr. Sam Cooper on X 
• TLDR Group on X 
• Dr. Sam Cooper on LinkedIn 
• Samuel Cooper - Imperial College London Faculty Page 

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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