The new era of AI-powered protein design | César Ramírez-Sarmiento
Host Elise Hu introduces TED Fellow and protein engineer César Ramírez-Sarmiento, whose lab in Santiago, Chile uses artificial intelligence to design novel proteins for environmental and therapeutic applications. In his talk and follow-up conversation with TED Fellows Program Director Lily James-Olds, César explains what proteins are, how AI has radically improved protein design success rates, and how enzymes could help address challenges like plastic pollution, mining impacts, and climate change. They also discuss the dual-use risks of AI in biodesign, emerging global regulation and leadership (including Chile and other countries), and how César's artistic background shapes his creative approach to science and public communication.