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...

In this debut episode, we explore the UK's energy future with two of Imperial College London’s leading researchers. Our discussion covers the ambitious government targets for grid decarbonisation and whether the incoming government will meet their 2030 goal for a zero-carbon grid five years ahead of the current 2035 target.

Guests:

Dr. Aidan Rhodes

Research Fellow at Imperial College London and Energy Policy Briefing Papers Fellow at Energy Futures Lab. Aidan’s work focuses on energy policy, including digitalisation, smart energy, and national energy innovation systems. He’s currently preparing accessible briefing papers for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidan-rhodes-06b16030/

https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/aidan.rhodes

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/energy-futures-lab/reports/

Dr. Nadine Moustafa

Research Associate in the Chemical Engineering Department and the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London Nadine specialises in systems modelling for carbon management and decarbonisation technologies, focusing on net-zero strategies, carbon accounting and policy. She is also a Program and Policy Officer at the Coalition for Negative Emissions, advancing negative emission technologies and related policies.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-moustafa-ph-d-5831a1a7/

https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/n.moustafa18

Host:

Jonny Prest, Communications Manager at Energy Futures Lab, Imperial College London.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnyprest/

Key topics touched on:

• Current UK energy mix:
• Are we on track for 2050?
• 2035 vs. 2030 grid targets:
• Electrification of homes:
• Nuclear energy and green jobs:

Related Links:

For more in-depth information and data, explore and download our comprehensive Energy Futures white papers and briefing papers, offering expert insights to further your understanding of the clean energy transition.

• The Future of Nuclear Power in the UK: Challenges and Opportunities