A2SD: Advancing Autonomous Scientific Discovery Workshop

The A2SD Workshop (Advancing Autonomous Scientific Discovery) will convene leading experts from domain science, computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) to shape the future of scientific research. As modern instrumentation capabilities outpace human decision-making speeds and data analysis capabilities, there is an urgent need to revolutionize scientific experiments through autonomous, interconnected, AI-driven laboratories.

The workshop will address critical challenges in developing self-driving laboratories, including the seamless integration of AI/ML with scientific workflows, standardization of multi-modal data collection, implementation of autonomous decision-making systems, and modernization of user facilities. Through interactive sessions and an expert panel, participants will explore how recent breakthroughs at the intersection of domain science and computing can accelerate scientific discovery through an ecosystem of interconnected, intelligent research facilities. Key focus areas include the development of hybrid AI systems combining data-driven learning with fundamental scientific principles, creation of universal interfaces for laboratory equipment and data management, and integration of real-time decision-making capabilities in experimental workflows.

The workshop aims to establish a foundation for a global community that leverages experimental, observational, and computing facilities as anchors while fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government partners. This timely initiative will bring together scientists, researchers, and professionals from national laboratories, universities, and industry to define the roadmap for a research infrastructure that can accelerate scientific discovery at an unprecedented pace and scale. The advancement of autonomous laboratories, AI/ML integration in scientific workflows, and cross-facility collaboration represents a critical step toward transforming the future of experimental research.

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Organizers:

• Rafael Ferreira da Silva
• Benjamin Mintz
• Michela Taufer