Science Takes Center Stage in Chan Zuckerberg's New Plan
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, led by Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan, has shifted its focus to science and artificial intelligence. The organization is now concentrating on A.I. and scientific research, led by a network of research centers called Biohub. It has also acquired the team of an A.I. start-up, Evolutionary Scale, and named Alex Rives, the company’s chief scientist, as its new head of science.
Significant Restructuring
Founded in 2015, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative had wide-ranging ambitions and committed over $7 billion in grants in the last decade. However, the organization has stepped away from social justice and political efforts. Its focus on science and A.I. mirrors changes that Mr. Zuckerberg has made at Meta, the tech giant that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Pledging Increased Computing Power
At an event at Biohub’s office, Mr. Zuckerberg and Dr. Chan pledged to increase the organization’s computing power from data centers tenfold by 2028. This will help with A.I.-powered biological research. Specific projects include:
- A virtual cell mapping platform
- A large language model that can perform biological reasoning
- A.I. that analyzes genetic sequences to detect disease
Biohub’s Ambitions
Biohub’s scientists aim to use A.I. to conduct virtual experiments at a larger scale and faster rate than currently possible in laboratory testing. The organization has reduced the size of grants it has given to other areas like education and housing but said it would not end that giving entirely.
Impact and Political Shifts
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's emphasis on science and A.I. has the potential for lasting, generational impact. However, the organization's relationship with politics has changed over time:
- After President Trump’s inauguration, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative ended diversity-based recruiting and laid off or reassigned employees who ran its diversity initiatives.
- In April, a school for low-income students that Dr. Chan had founded announced that it was closing after losing its funding.
- In May, the organization ended nearly all of its giving to local housing nonprofits.