Liam Fedus, Vice President of research for post-training at OpenAI, is departing the company to found a materials science AI startup, marking a significant shift in the AI research landscape. The news was first reported by The Information, and Fedus confirmed the report in a statement on X, providing additional details about his plans.

Fedus, who holds an undergraduate degree in physics, expressed his enthusiasm for applying AI technology to the field of materials science. "My undergrad was in physics and I'm keen to apply this technology there," he said in his statement. This move is particularly noteworthy, given the strategic importance of AI for science to OpenAI's mission of achieving artificial superintelligence.

OpenAI has announced plans to invest in and partner with Fedus' new company, a move that underscores the company's commitment to advancing AI research in various domains. This partnership will likely facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two entities, potentially accelerating breakthroughs in materials science.

Fedus' startup will enter a nascent but increasingly competitive space, where tech giants like Google DeepMind and Microsoft are already making significant investments. In 2023, DeepMind claimed that its AI system, Gnome, had discovered crystals with potential applications in creating new materials. More recently, Microsoft unveiled a pair of materials-discovering AI tools called MatterGen and MatterSim.

Despite the growing interest in AI-powered materials science, some experts remain skeptical about the ability of current AI systems to make truly novel scientific discoveries. This skepticism highlights the ongoing challenges and limitations of AI research, even as companies like OpenAI and its partners push the boundaries of what is possible.

The departure of Fedus, a prominent figure in AI research, may have implications for OpenAI's internal dynamics and research priorities. However, the company's decision to invest in and partner with Fedus' new venture suggests a commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the AI community.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the intersection of AI and materials science is likely to remain a key area of focus. With Fedus' new startup poised to enter the fray, the industry can expect further advancements and innovations in the years to come.