Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

Large language models (LLMs)—machine learning algorithms that can recognize, summarize, translate, predict, and generate human languages on the basis of very large text-based datasets—are likely to provide the most convincing computer-generated imitation of human language yet. Because language generated by LLMs will be more sophisticated and human-like than their predecessors, and because they perform better on tasks for which they have not been explicitly trained, we expect that they will be widely used. Policymakers might use them to assess public sentiment about pending legislation, patient...

Nuclear energy, a source of stable, carbon-free electricity, has long been considered essential for meeting growing global energy demands. Amid the climate emergency, geopolitical instability, and energy insecurity, it has recently regained attention as a key solution to these issues. However, nuclear power remains controversial due to its history of severe accidents, the risks of proliferation and potential use of nuclear material in weapons, challenges in managing long-lived nuclear waste, and high construction costs for nuclear power facilities. Advanced nuclear energy technologies, particu...