SLAC Public Lecture | How scientists are building the AI-powered laboratory

How do we find the next super material? How do we discover the next breakthrough drug? How do we unlock the mystery of dark matter and the structure of the universe? Scientists develop theories about these questions and test those theories with two powerful tools: laboratory experiments and computational models. But these tests can be costly: Each experiment can use hours or days of person-power on specialized equipment, and simulations can take days or weeks on a supercomputer. Access to these resources is limited; every measurement needs to count. This talk explores how scientists are using artificial intelligence to accelerate discovery, not only to analyze data more effectively, but to actively guide choices about the best next measurements to take to meet scientific goals. Along the way, I will explain what is unique about using AI for scientific research, share examples from my own work, and offer a glimpse of where AI-powered science is headed.

About the Speaker:
Sean Gasiorowski earned his PhD in physics from the University of Washington, working on the ATLAS experiment at CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. His doctoral research focused on searching for rare production of pairs of Higgs bosons – elementary particles that are a building block of our universe – where he developed a strong interest in using AI and machine learning to extract physical insights from complex data. He joined SLAC in 2021 and is now an associate scientist in the Machine Learning group, where he has broadened his scientific focus to problems ranging from discovery of new materials to understanding the large-scale structure of the universe. His current research interests include using AI for active experimental guidance, and he enjoys helping researchers across the lab accelerate their science with AI. When he’s not doing science, he can be found playing music or experimenting in the kitchen (he’s currently in his fermentation era).

• Join us at the Kavli Building or online. Registration is required if you plan to attend in person. Site entry will be allowed starting at 6:30 p.m. Proceed directly to the Kavli Building to check in.
• We will also be streaming the lecture live on our YouTube Channel. You do not need to register if you plan to watch online.
• Click here for more information about the SLAC Public Lectures.

The public lecture will be held in person at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, in the Kavli Auditorium in the Kavli Building (B51). Parking is free and can be found in front of the Science and User Support Building (B53). Doors open and site entry will be allowed starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring your registration ticket (printed or shown on phone) and a valid government ID (REAL ID or passport) for site entry. Proceed directly to the Kavli Building to check in.

Registered guests should arrive before 6:50 pm to secure a seat in the auditorium. After 6:50 pm, waitlist and walk-up guests will be admitted if space is available due to registered guest no-shows. The lecture will start promptly at 7 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m. There will be opportunities to chat with the speaker following the event. Registration is required if you plan to attend the lecture in person. The deadline to register is Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

In order for SLAC to provide a safe environment for the public and our employees, and expedite access to the event, no handbags or backpacks larger than 12"x6"x12" will be allowed inside the venue. Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection from SLAC-badged staff. To join the public lecture in person, you are required to follow all protocols and instructions fro

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