Oxford Schmidt AI in Science Annual Lecture 2026

Dr Stuart Feldman will be delivering our annual lecture, entitled "Steering the Disruption: AI's Transformation of Science and the Role of Philanthropy".

Stuart Feldman is President and Chief Scientist of Schmidt Sciences where he is responsible for shaping fellowship and award programmes and executing larger research programmes to support talented scientists who address major questions, build new platforms, and change the way research is done. Dr Feldman did his academic work in astrophysics and mathematics, and earned his AB at Princeton and his PhD at MIT. Dr Feldman is best known for writing "Make" and other essential tools. He received the 2003 ACM Software System Award.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the frontiers of scientific discovery at a rapid pace, and philanthropy has a unique opportunity to steer that transformation toward meaningful and broad benefits. This session examines the dual challenge facing the scientific community: harnessing AI as an accelerator for genuine discovery while preserving the rigor and authority that give science its credibility. Schmidt Sciences recognises the opportunities and destabilising effects of AI in all areas of scientific research. Drawing on Schmidt Sciences’s experiences and portfolio of support across AI and Advanced Computing, Astrophysics and Space, Biosciences, Climate, and Science Systems, this talk explores how AI is accelerating discovery, reshaping scientific practice, and changing what it means to be a working scientist.

We invite members of the university and public to participate in this free event taking place at the Sheldonian Theatre on 17 June 2026, 5:30-6:30pm BST. The lecture is not being live streamed, however a recording of the lecture will be posted on this page after the event.

The Oxford Schmidt AI in Science programme and lecture are generously supported by Schmidt Sciences. If you have any questions about the lecture, please email: saiis@dtc.ox.ac.uk