In particular, the prize in the ‘Theory’ category is awarded to scientists for excellence in theoretical research whose current work significantly advances Feynman’s vision of nanotechnology: so-called molecular manufacturing, i.e. the construction of products with extremely high precision down to the atomic level.

Klaus-Robert Müller has been making significant contributions to the mathematical foundations of machine learning for years. In addition, he is actively researching the application of machine learning in the natural sciences, with a focus on quantum chemistry. His recently developed machine learning methods enable the prediction of quantum mechanical properties seven orders of magnitude faster while maintaining accuracy and additionally gaining new insights from the machine learning models.

‘It is a great pleasure and an even greater honour to join the ranks of the renowned winners of the Feynman Prize. I have been working on the modelling of quantum properties for years, and I am very proud that my team has recently succeeded in significantly accelerating the prediction of such properties through the intelligent use of machine learning models,’ said Klaus-Robert Müller. The prize will be officially presented at a special ceremony on 10 January 2025.

Founded in 1986, the Foresight Institute is a non-profit organisation dedicated, among other things, to promoting nanotechnology and other transformative technologies. Since 1993, the institute has been awarding the Feynman Prize to honour both established and emerging scientists. They embody the vision of advancing transformative technologies for the benefit of humanity.