Energy Department, Weill Foundation sign MOU to advance AI for biomedicine, health research

At an event held Monday at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and Sandy Weill, founder of the Weill Family Foundation, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formally initiate a public-private partnership for artificial intelligence (AI), neurological disorders and related subjects. The partnership will apply DOE-fueled AI capabilities to advance transformative scientific opportunities in biomedical and public health research.  See more photos of the event.

The MOU will foster collaboration to demonstrate AI-based research breakthroughs that span from basic science focused on a better understanding of how the brain functions, to clinical and translational research focused on developing novel methods for preventing, treating and repairing damage caused by diseases and disorders of the brain.

"Artificial intelligence has the power to literally change the world we live in by tackling some of the biggest problems facing humanity – from improving our environment to advancing our understanding of the cosmos; from increasing cybersecurity to improving crop production," Perry said. "This memorandum of understanding between the Department of Energy and the Weill Family Foundation will advance groundbreaking AI research and development in health sciences that will enhance our overall security and improve our quality of life."

"Today marks the beginning of a collaboration that will fuel the acceleration of utilizing artificial intelligence in neuroscience research to launch a new era in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disease," Weill said. "We are thrilled to partner with Secretary Perry and the Department of Energy on this important initiative, and we look forward to positively impacting lives and society for many generations to come."   

"This memorandum of understanding demonstrates the Trump Administration's commitment to leverage the full U.S. innovation ecosystem for the advancement of artificial intelligence. As part of the American AI Initiative and our national AI strategy, we recognize the importance of private-public partnerships to ensure the nation's leadership in AI and that AI technologies are applied for the benefit of the American people. We look forward to the groundbreaking AI research, discovery and innovation to come from this partnership," said Michael Kratsios, chief technology officer of the United States.

This MOU also recognizes how AI tools and other innovative technologies for the study and understanding of neurological disorders and traumatic brain injuries could be enhanced through coordinated activities between DOE, the Weill Family Foundation and interested third parties in academia, private industry, philanthropy and governments on additional topics of mutual interest.

The full MOU can be found here.