SRM University-AP hosted the University Distinguished Lecture–23 featuring Prof. Stefano Sanvito, Chair of Condensed Matter Theory at the School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin, and Director of CRANN (Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices). His lecture, titled “Is AI Really Useful for Materials Science?”, critically examined the real impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in high-stakes scientific research.

Prof. Sanvito questioned whether AI, though it has become all-pervasive in tasks like text generation and automation, truly meets the rigorous demands of physical sciences, where accuracy, reproducibility, and experimental validation are paramount.

He added, “Artificial intelligence is powerful not because it replaces science, but because when grounded in physical principles it allows us to ask deeper questions, move faster, and validate discoveries with greater confidence.”

Drawing from his research, he presented how machine learning models can predict the Curie temperature of ferromagnetic materials using chemical composition as the primary input. By engineering meaningful features and experimental data from scientific literature through natural language processing tools, his team demonstrated that AI can significantly accelerate materials research when applied judiciously.

He further illustrated how AI-enhanced computational models can reduce the cost and time involved in constructing phase diagrams and identifying thermodynamically stable compounds. However, he cautioned against indiscriminate use of AI, noting that machine learning must be strategically integrated to deliver genuine efficiency gains.

Extending beyond materials science, Prof. Sanvito showcased applications of AI in advanced imaging, such as AI-assisted enhancement of coronary angiography imaging, without compromising diagnostic quality.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Ch Satish Kumar, Registrar Dr Prem Kumar, and Dean–Research Prof. Ranjit Thapa felicitated Prof. Sanvito, appreciating his pioneering contributions to computational materials science and his interdisciplinary vision that bridges physics, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation. Dr Soumyajyoti Biswas, Associate Professor & Head of the Department, Department of Physics and Dr Anita Halder, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics from SRM University- AP among other faculty, Research scholars and students attended the lecture.

The University Distinguished Lecture–23 at SRM University-AP concluded with an engaging Q&A session, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering global academic exchange and advancing research at the frontiers of science and technology.