Posted: 29th April 2024

Henry Lloyd-Laney has been awarded a prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, which supports talented postdoctoral researchers in applying AI (artificial intelligence) techniques across the natural sciences, engineering and mathematical sciences. 

The Fellowship programme from Schmidt Sciences aims to accelerate the next scientific revolution, supporting the development and application of AI in innovative ways. The University is one of nine leading research universities around the world selected to deliver the programme. Henry joins 14 other Fellows in this year’s cohort from across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division.   

Henry’s proposed research is entitled MLMLLM: Machine Learning, Multiple Likelihoods and the Laws of Metallo-proteins. It aims to advance the field of bio-electrochemistry by leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to gain a deeper understanding of electron-transfer reactions in complex systems. This research has the potential to drive the development of novel catalysts and biosensing technologies with significant real-world applications in sustainable hydrogen production and disease detection. It showcases a pioneering approach to bio-electrochemistry, combining expertise in electrochemistry, statistical inference, Bayesian statistics, and machine learning.  

The cross-disciplinary AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship programme spans the full breadth of academic study across the MPLS Division, from Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science to Engineering Science, Physics and Statistics. Through this diversity, it brings together different parts of the AI landscape in novel ways. It also provides training for the Fellows who are non-AI specialists with all they need to ensure they can use AI in their respective research fields. The Fellows also have the opportunity to become Associate Research Fellows at Reuben College. Founded in 2019, Reuben College is the University’s newest college, aspiring to create a community of scholars embracing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing initiatives to generate wider impacts and positive benefits from research, entrepreneurship and public engagement. 

Oxford stands at the forefront of AI research, and witnessing the transformative impact of the Schmidt AI in Science program on researchers within the MPLS Division is truly inspiring. It's remarkable to see how AI is envisioned to address a vast array of challenges, igniting imaginations and propelling innovation forward. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Schmidt Sciences for their invaluable support and vision in making this pioneering program possible. Professor Jim Naismith, Head of Division for the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences

Read more about the Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship programme.