# Training an AI Scientist with Feedback from Reality, w- Liam Fedus & Ekin Dogus Cubuk (from a16z)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cognitive-revolution/training-an-ai-scientist-with-feedback-from-reality-w-liam-fedus-ekin-dogus-cubuk-from-a16z
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cognitive-revolution/training-an-ai-scientist-with-feedback-from-reality-w-liam-fedus-ekin-dogus-cubuk-from-a16z.md
Podcast: ["The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-cognitive-revolution)
Published: 2025-10-02T10:26:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.cognitiverevolution.ai
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/mgln.ai/e/1113/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/RINTP4637910218.mp3?updated=1759398876
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-cognitive-revolution/episodes/training-an-ai-scientist-with-feedback-from-reality-w-liam-fedus-ekin-dogus-cubuk-from-a16z
Duration seconds: 3633

## Resource

Today’s special crosspost features a16z General Partner Anjney Midha with Liam Fedus and Ekin Dogus Cubuk of Periodic Labs. They discuss experiments in training frontier AI models on real-world physics lab experiments—rather than digital reward functions—and how coupling language models with automated materials synthesis could accelerate the discovery of room-temperature superconductors and transform R&D in advanced manufacturing. Shownotes brought to you by Notion AI Meeting Notes - try one month for free at: ⁠https://notion.com/lp/nathan Core innovation: Periodic Labs is creating a "physically grounded reward function" by integrating experiments directly with AI systems. Physical lab integration: Unlike traditional AI labs, Periodic includes actual physical experimentation facilities where AI can run tests in the real world. Novel approach to training: Periodic takes pre-trained language models and further trains them on physics and chemistry knowledge to improve performance in scientific domains. Read the full transcript here: https://storage.aipodcast.ing/cache/combinedtranscript-20251002T100327544Z.html Sponsors: Linear: Linear is the system for modern product development. Nearly every AI company you've heard of is using Linear to build products. Get 6 months of Linear Business for free at: https://linear.app/tcr AGNTCY: AGNTCY is dropping code, specs, and services. Visit AGNTCY.org. Visit Outshift Internet of Agents Claude: Claude is the AI collaborator that understands your entire workflow and thinks with you to tackle complex problems like coding and business strategy. Sign up and get 50% off your first 3 months of Claude Pro at https://claude.ai/tcr Shopify: Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of…

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