Monday, February 16, 2026

MIT affiliates named 2025 Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Fellows

Postdoc Zongyi Li, Associate Professor Tess Smidt, and seven additional alumni are set to make breakthroughs in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the support of a prestigious grant, they will be working on developing AI solutions for some of the most challenging problems in various fields.

The team, consisting of highly accomplished individuals, has been awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund their research on AI. The NSF award, known as the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER), is highly competitive and considered one of the most prestigious awards for early-career researchers.

Zongyi Li, a postdoctoral researcher at a leading research institution, has earned widespread recognition for his work in the field of AI. His expertise lies in developing deep learning algorithms for natural language processing, and he has published numerous papers on this subject in top-tier journals. This grant will provide him with the necessary resources to continue his groundbreaking research and further advance the field of AI.

Joining Li in this endeavor is Associate Professor Tess Smidt, who is a renowned expert in the field of machine learning. With a Ph.D. from a prestigious university and several years of experience in the industry, Smidt brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Her research focuses on developing AI algorithms that can learn from data without explicit programming, a concept commonly known as “deep learning.”

Together, Li and Smidt will lead a team of seven additional alumni from various universities, all of whom have already made significant contributions to the field of AI. With their diverse backgrounds and expertise, this team is poised to tackle some of the most challenging problems in AI and push the boundaries of what is possible.

The grant will support the team’s research on developing AI solutions for problems that have traditionally been difficult to solve. These include but are not limited to, natural language understanding, computer vision, and human-robot interaction. By combining their knowledge and experience, the team hopes to develop AI tools that can assist in solving these complex problems and improve the lives of people around the world.

The team’s efforts will not only contribute to the advancement of AI but also have a significant impact on various industries such as healthcare, education, and transportation. For instance, their work on natural language understanding can lead to the development of AI assistants that can communicate with people in a more human-like manner, making interactions with technology more intuitive and effortless.

The team’s research will also have far-reaching implications in the field of computer vision, where AI can be used to analyze and interpret visual data. This could lead to advancements in fields such as autonomous vehicles, where AI can help improve safety and efficiency on the roads.

Moreover, their work on human-robot interaction can lead to the development of AI-powered robots that can perform tasks in various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. This can have a significant impact on the economy and society, creating more opportunities for innovation and growth.

The grant not only provides financial support but also includes a mentoring component where the team will receive guidance from renowned experts in the field. This will allow them to further enhance their skills and knowledge and collaborate with other researchers in the AI community.

The team’s success in securing this grant is a testament to their exceptional abilities and dedication to advancing the field of AI. It is also a reflection of the high-quality education and training they received from their respective institutions.

The team is excited about the opportunities this grant presents and is committed to utilizing it to its fullest potential. With their combined expertise and the support of the NSF, they are poised to make significant strides in the development of AI solutions for challenging problems.

Their research will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and advancement of AI, making a positive impact in various industries and ultimately benefiting society as a whole. We can expect to see groundbreaking developments from this team in the near future, further solidifying their place as leaders in the world of AI.

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