US tech official calls for ‘transformational’ use of AI in scientific discovery
US tech official calls for ‘transformational’ use of AI in scientific discovery
Publish Date: 2026-05-07 16:50:00
Source Domain: www.nextgov.com
- The Trump administration views the incorporation of artificial intelligence capabilities into scientific research as key for maintaining U.S. technology leadership, according to U.S. Chief Technology Officer Ethan Klein.
- Ethan Klein highlighted the goal of better integration of technological, developmental, testing, prototyping, and scaling processes using AI.
- Emerging capabilities like agentic AI, which can perform specific tasks with minimal human oversight, are predicted to transform scientific research and improve efficiency in scientific workflows.
- A recent survey by Market Connections found that 53% of government technology executives are researching or planning to pilot agentic AI applications.
- A significant initiative called the Genesis Mission, launched in November 2020, aims to enhance AI in scientific advancement, signifying the administration’s commitment to this focus.
- Amid increasing government operational scaling back and the dismissal of the National Science Foundation’s advisory board, critics worry that these may hinder the nation’s scientific progression.
