AI’s role in scientific research is evolving from a tool to a primary driver of discovery.

Last month, the scientific community experienced a groundbreaking moment with the announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prizes in physics and chemistry. In an unprecedented outcome, both prizes were awarded for achievements involving artificial intelligence—signaling the beginning of an AI-driven era in scientific discovery. This historic event not only honors the visionary minds behind these innovations but also indicates a profound shift: AI is transitioning from being a mere tool to becoming the true driver of discovery itself. Nobel Prize in Physics: Neural networks propel AI revolution The Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the “Godfather of Artificial Intelligence,” and John Hopfield. In the 1980s, these pioneers laid the foundation for artificial neural networks—mathematical systems inspired by the human brain. Hopfield designed a network capable of storing and reconstructing complex patterns, which Hinton subsequently advanced. Hinton’s application of the Boltzmann machine enabled feature detection and automated learning, forming the backbone of modern AI technologies, including systems like ChatGPT. Nobel Prize in Chemistry: AI unlocks the protein folding mystery The Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker for their pioneering use of AI in protein research. In 2020, Hassabis and Jumper developed AlphaFold2, an AI model that solved a 50-year-old challenge: predicting protein structures. This model can now predict the structure of approximately 200 million proteins and is utilized by researchers in 190 countries for drug development, antibiotic resistance studies, and the creation of enzymes to break down plastic. Baker expanded on this by using AI to design entirely new proteins, paving the way for applications in drug development, vaccines, nanomaterials, and microscopic sensors. AI: The new discoverer in scientific advancement This year’s Nobel Prizes in physics and chemistry represent a pivotal moment, elevating AI from a supporting role to a primary force in scientific progress. The breakthroughs in physics, chemistry, and biology that led to these awards were made possible due to neural networks and advanced machine learning tools—not just through human ingenuity. The combined efforts of Hinton, Hopfield, Hassabis, Jumper, and Baker signify a significant transformation in how scientific research is conducted. The traditional perception of slow, meticulous experiments has shifted to AI-driven acceleration, where new insights are uncovered at speeds never before imagined. As technology continues to evolve, science may be entering an era where an AI system itself could win a Nobel Prize—not just the individuals who developed it. Startups harness AI potential to shape industries This transformation goes beyond academia. Major corporations are now putting AI at the core of their scientific efforts. Recently, pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly appointed Thomas Fuchs as its first AI chief, indicating a new direction for the entire industry. Startups, too, are leveraging AI’s transformative capabilities. A prime example is Xaira, Nobel laureate David Baker’s new venture, which recently secured a billion-dollar investment to commercialize his discoveries. While this level of funding blurs the line between startup and corporation, it highlights AI’s enormous potential for scientific innovation and entrepreneurship. Another example is Somite.ai, the my company, which developed the DeltaStem platform—named after AlphaFold, the system that earned Hassabis and Jumper their Nobel Prize. Somite.ai’s platform trains foundational models to predict intercellular communication and cell differentiation, enabling the discovery and optimization of novel therapies. It also generates vast amounts of biological data, driving further scientific breakthroughs with the ultimate goal of developing treatments that could potentially cure tens of millions of people. Indeed, the future of medicine lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology. But perhaps more profoundly, the very essence of “discovery” is being redefined. AI is no longer just assisting human scientists—it may just yet become the scientist, pushing the boundaries of what was once thought to be solely within human reach. As this AI-driven revolution gathers momentum, the future holds limitless potential for companies and startups to reshape industries and improve human lives. EXPERT OPINION BY MICHA BREAKSTONE, FOUNDER AND CEO OF SOMITE.AI @MICHABREAKSTONE