Microsoft Research Forum
Join us for a continuous exchange of ideas about science and technology research in the era of general AI. This series explores recent advances, bold new ideas, and important discussions with the global research community.
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Series Episodes
Episode 1
Previously aired on January 30, 2024
Recent breakthroughs in AI models, new applications of AI to important scientific challenges, improving reasoning in language models with LASER, and more.
Episode 2
Previously aired on March 5, 2024
Learn how AI is transforming health care and the natural sciences, the intersection of AI and society, what's new in AutoGen, and more.
Episode 3
Previously aired on June 4, 2024
Dive into the importance of globally inclusive and equitable AI, updates on AutoGen and MatterGen, explore novel new use cases for AI, and more.
Episode 4
September 3, 2024
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM PT
Episode 3 on-demand
Previously aired on June 4, 2024
In this episode, researchers at Microsoft emphasized the importance of globally equitable AI, addressing challenges such as data representation and inclusivity. They also shared novel use cases, updates on the latest foundational advances in AI, and transformative applications from industry to material design.
Agenda
| Sessions | Speakers | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Keynote | Jacki O’Neill, Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi | Building Globally Equitable AI In this keynote, Jacki O'Neill discussed the importance of creating globally equitable generative AI. She addressed the technical and socio-technical challenges that must be tackled to positively transform work futures worldwide. |
| Panel Discussion | Jacki O’Neill (Host), Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi Sunayana Sitaram, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research India Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge Tanuja Ganu, Principal Research SDE Manager, Microsoft Research India | Generative AI for Global Impact: Challenges and Opportunities In this panel discussion, Microsoft researchers discussed the challenges and opportunities of making AI more inclusive and impactful for everyone – from data that represents a broader range of communities and cultures, to novel use cases for AI that are globally relevant. |
| Lightning Talk 1 | Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge | Insights into the Challenges and Opportunities of Large Multi-Modal Models for Blind and Low Vision Users: A Case Study on CLIP In this talk, Daniela Massiceti delved into the transformative potential of multi-modal models such as CLIP for assistive technologies. Specifically focusing on the blind/low vision community, the talk explored the current distance from realizing this potential and the advancements needed to bridge this gap. |
| Lightning Talk 2 | Jiang Bian, Senior Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Asia | Driving Industry Evolution: Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Sector Transformation In this talk, Jiang Bian discussed how Generative AI transforms industries by bridging gaps between AI capabilities and sector needs. He showcased domain-specific foundation models and versatile AI agents, setting new industry standards. |
| Lightning Talk 3 | Tian Xie, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research | MatterGen: A Generative Model for Materials Design In this talk, Tian Xie introduced MatterGen, a generative model that creates new inorganic materials based on a broad range of property conditions required by the application, aiming to shift the traditional paradigm of materials design with generative AI. |
| Lightning Talk 4 | Adam Fourney, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research AI Frontiers | AutoGen Update: Complex Tasks and Agents In this talk, Adam Fourney discussed the effectiveness of using multiple agents, working together, to complete complex multi-step tasks. He showcased their capability to outperform previous single-agent solutions on benchmarks like GAIA, utilizing customizable arrangements of agents that collaborate, reason, and utilize tools to achieve complex outcomes. |
Sessions : Keynote
Speakers : Jacki O’Neill, Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi
Description : Building Globally Equitable AI
In this keynote, Jacki O'Neill discussed the importance of creating globally equitable generative AI. She addressed the technical and socio-technical challenges that must be tackled to positively transform work futures worldwide. Sessions : Panel Discussion Speakers : Jacki O’Neill (Host), Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi
Sunayana Sitaram, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research India
Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge
Tanuja Ganu, Principal Research SDE Manager, Microsoft Research India Description : Generative AI for Global Impact: Challenges and Opportunities
In this panel discussion, Microsoft researchers discussed the challenges and opportunities of making AI more inclusive and impactful for everyone – from data that represents a broader range of communities and cultures, to novel use cases for AI that are globally relevant. Sessions : Lightning Talk 1 Speakers : Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge Description : Insights into the Challenges and Opportunities of Large Multi-Modal Models for Blind and Low Vision Users: A Case Study on CLIP
In this talk, Daniela Massiceti delved into the transformative potential of multi-modal models such as CLIP for assistive technologies. Specifically focusing on the blind/low vision community, the talk explored the current distance from realizing this potential and the advancements needed to bridge this gap. Sessions : Lightning Talk 2 Speakers : Jiang Bian, Senior Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Asia Description : Driving Industry Evolution: Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Sector Transformation
In this talk, Jiang Bian discussed how Generative AI transforms industries by bridging gaps between AI capabilities and sector needs. He showcased domain-specific foundation models and versatile AI agents, setting new industry standards. Sessions : Lightning Talk 3 Speakers : Tian Xie, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Description : MatterGen: A Generative Model for Materials Design
In this talk, Tian Xie introduced MatterGen, a generative model that creates new inorganic materials based on a broad range of property conditions required by the application, aiming to shift the traditional paradigm of materials design with generative AI. Sessions : Lightning Talk 4 Speakers : Adam Fourney, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research AI Frontiers Description : AutoGen Update: Complex Tasks and Agents
In this talk, Adam Fourney discussed the effectiveness of using multiple agents, working together, to complete complex multi-step tasks. He showcased their capability to outperform previous single-agent solutions on benchmarks like GAIA, utilizing customizable arrangements of agents that collaborate, reason, and utilize tools to achieve complex outcomes.
In this keynote, Jacki O'Neill discussed the importance of creating globally equitable generative AI. She addressed the technical and socio-technical challenges that must be tackled to positively transform work futures worldwide. Sessions : Panel Discussion Speakers : Jacki O’Neill (Host), Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi
Sunayana Sitaram, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research India
Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge
Tanuja Ganu, Principal Research SDE Manager, Microsoft Research India Description : Generative AI for Global Impact: Challenges and Opportunities
In this panel discussion, Microsoft researchers discussed the challenges and opportunities of making AI more inclusive and impactful for everyone – from data that represents a broader range of communities and cultures, to novel use cases for AI that are globally relevant. Sessions : Lightning Talk 1 Speakers : Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge Description : Insights into the Challenges and Opportunities of Large Multi-Modal Models for Blind and Low Vision Users: A Case Study on CLIP
In this talk, Daniela Massiceti delved into the transformative potential of multi-modal models such as CLIP for assistive technologies. Specifically focusing on the blind/low vision community, the talk explored the current distance from realizing this potential and the advancements needed to bridge this gap. Sessions : Lightning Talk 2 Speakers : Jiang Bian, Senior Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Asia Description : Driving Industry Evolution: Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Sector Transformation
In this talk, Jiang Bian discussed how Generative AI transforms industries by bridging gaps between AI capabilities and sector needs. He showcased domain-specific foundation models and versatile AI agents, setting new industry standards. Sessions : Lightning Talk 3 Speakers : Tian Xie, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Description : MatterGen: A Generative Model for Materials Design
In this talk, Tian Xie introduced MatterGen, a generative model that creates new inorganic materials based on a broad range of property conditions required by the application, aiming to shift the traditional paradigm of materials design with generative AI. Sessions : Lightning Talk 4 Speakers : Adam Fourney, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research AI Frontiers Description : AutoGen Update: Complex Tasks and Agents
In this talk, Adam Fourney discussed the effectiveness of using multiple agents, working together, to complete complex multi-step tasks. He showcased their capability to outperform previous single-agent solutions on benchmarks like GAIA, utilizing customizable arrangements of agents that collaborate, reason, and utilize tools to achieve complex outcomes.
|
Sessions : Keynote
Speakers : Jacki O’Neill, Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi
Description : Building Globally Equitable AI
In this keynote, Jacki O'Neill discussed the importance of creating globally equitable generative AI. She addressed the technical and socio-technical challenges that must be tackled to positively transform work futures worldwide. Sessions : Panel Discussion Speakers : Jacki O’Neill (Host), Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi
Sunayana Sitaram, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research India
Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge
Tanuja Ganu, Principal Research SDE Manager, Microsoft Research India Description : Generative AI for Global Impact: Challenges and Opportunities
In this panel discussion, Microsoft researchers discussed the challenges and opportunities of making AI more inclusive and impactful for everyone – from data that represents a broader range of communities and cultures, to novel use cases for AI that are globally relevant. Sessions : Lightning Talk 1 Speakers : Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge Description : Insights into the Challenges and Opportunities of Large Multi-Modal Models for Blind and Low Vision Users: A Case Study on CLIP
In this talk, Daniela Massiceti delved into the transformative potential of multi-modal models such as CLIP for assistive technologies. Specifically focusing on the blind/low vision community, the talk explored the current distance from realizing this potential and the advancements needed to bridge this gap. Sessions : Lightning Talk 2 Speakers : Jiang Bian, Senior Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Asia Description : Driving Industry Evolution: Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Sector Transformation
In this talk, Jiang Bian discussed how Generative AI transforms industries by bridging gaps between AI capabilities and sector needs. He showcased domain-specific foundation models and versatile AI agents, setting new industry standards. Sessions : Lightning Talk 3 Speakers : Tian Xie, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Description : MatterGen: A Generative Model for Materials Design
In this talk, Tian Xie introduced MatterGen, a generative model that creates new inorganic materials based on a broad range of property conditions required by the application, aiming to shift the traditional paradigm of materials design with generative AI. Sessions : Lightning Talk 4 Speakers : Adam Fourney, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research AI Frontiers Description : AutoGen Update: Complex Tasks and Agents
In this talk, Adam Fourney discussed the effectiveness of using multiple agents, working together, to complete complex multi-step tasks. He showcased their capability to outperform previous single-agent solutions on benchmarks like GAIA, utilizing customizable arrangements of agents that collaborate, reason, and utilize tools to achieve complex outcomes.
In this keynote, Jacki O'Neill discussed the importance of creating globally equitable generative AI. She addressed the technical and socio-technical challenges that must be tackled to positively transform work futures worldwide. Sessions : Panel Discussion Speakers : Jacki O’Neill (Host), Lab Director, Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi
Sunayana Sitaram, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research India
Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge
Tanuja Ganu, Principal Research SDE Manager, Microsoft Research India Description : Generative AI for Global Impact: Challenges and Opportunities
In this panel discussion, Microsoft researchers discussed the challenges and opportunities of making AI more inclusive and impactful for everyone – from data that represents a broader range of communities and cultures, to novel use cases for AI that are globally relevant. Sessions : Lightning Talk 1 Speakers : Daniela Massiceti, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Cambridge Description : Insights into the Challenges and Opportunities of Large Multi-Modal Models for Blind and Low Vision Users: A Case Study on CLIP
In this talk, Daniela Massiceti delved into the transformative potential of multi-modal models such as CLIP for assistive technologies. Specifically focusing on the blind/low vision community, the talk explored the current distance from realizing this potential and the advancements needed to bridge this gap. Sessions : Lightning Talk 2 Speakers : Jiang Bian, Senior Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Asia Description : Driving Industry Evolution: Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Sector Transformation
In this talk, Jiang Bian discussed how Generative AI transforms industries by bridging gaps between AI capabilities and sector needs. He showcased domain-specific foundation models and versatile AI agents, setting new industry standards. Sessions : Lightning Talk 3 Speakers : Tian Xie, Principal Research Manager, Microsoft Research Description : MatterGen: A Generative Model for Materials Design
In this talk, Tian Xie introduced MatterGen, a generative model that creates new inorganic materials based on a broad range of property conditions required by the application, aiming to shift the traditional paradigm of materials design with generative AI. Sessions : Lightning Talk 4 Speakers : Adam Fourney, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research AI Frontiers Description : AutoGen Update: Complex Tasks and Agents
In this talk, Adam Fourney discussed the effectiveness of using multiple agents, working together, to complete complex multi-step tasks. He showcased their capability to outperform previous single-agent solutions on benchmarks like GAIA, utilizing customizable arrangements of agents that collaborate, reason, and utilize tools to achieve complex outcomes.
Featured Speakers
Jacki O’Neill
Lab Director
Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi
Tanuja Ganu
Principal Research SDE Manager
Microsoft Research India
Jiang Bian
Senior Principal Research Manager
Microsoft Research Asia
Daniela Massiceti
Senior Researcher
Microsoft Research Cambridge
Adam Fourney
Principal Researcher
Microsoft Research AI Frontiers
Sunayana Sitaram
Principal Researcher
Microsoft Research India
Tian Xie
Principal Research Manager
Microsoft Research
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