Texas A&M University announces its participation in the Genesis Mission, a historic national initiative led by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This mission aims to build the world’s most powerful integrated science discovery platform, leveraging AI, supercomputing, quantum systems, and advanced scientific instruments to accelerate breakthroughs in energy, scientific discovery, and national security. The DOE has selected 278 projects addressing 26 national science and technology challenges, with Texas A&M contributing four key projects to this revolutionary effort.
Selected Genesis Mission projects
Four projects from Texas A&M researchers have been selected for the Genesis Mission. These include Dr. Kung-Hui Chu's project on AI-Guided Map for Biomining of Critical Minerals (AIM-BioCM), Dr. Jonas Karthein's work on Scalable Agentic Digital Twins for Autonomous Precision Facilities, Dr. Yang Liu's SHIELD project focusing on Secure Human-in-the-loop Intelligence for Engineering and Licensing Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Systems, and Dr. Nicholas Perez's research on Multimodal AI Finders for REE Deposits across Texas and the Southwest U.S.
Securing critical mineral supply chains
Drs. Chu and Perez are addressing the mission's challenge to use AI for securing critical mineral resources, reducing reliance on foreign nations, and strengthening supply chain resilience. Chu’s project, in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, integrates microbial, hydrological, and geochemical data to create AI-enabled tools for biomining. Perez, working with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, is using AI to analyze geological, geochemical, geophysical, and satellite datasets to understand and locate critical mineral deposits influenced by ancient geological events like the Laramide mountain-building event.
Enhancing particle accelerators for discovery
Dr. Jonas Karthein of the Texas A&M Cyclotron Institute is collaborating with Argonne National Laboratory to develop AI-powered 'digital twins.' These digital twins will help researchers conduct complex nuclear physics experiments more efficiently, particularly in studying rare isotopes. This approach aims to maximize the use of limited beam time, providing insights into element formation in stars and stellar explosions. Dean Dr. Simon North highlights Karthein's work as an example of innovation and leadership in the College of Arts and Sciences, recognizing the vital role of fundamental research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Advancing nuclear technologies
Dr. Yang Liu, an assistant professor of nuclear engineering, is contributing to the energy dominance pillar of the Genesis Mission. His project, in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, will explore how AI can streamline the engineering analysis and licensing processes for advanced nuclear technologies. The SHIELD system aims to automate safety analysis modeling and simulation, generate supporting documentation, and demonstrate its effectiveness on next-generation sodium-cooled and current large light-water reactor designs. This initiative seeks to accelerate the deployment of innovative nuclear solutions without compromising safety. Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering, emphasizes the mission's role in a new era of scientific discovery.
Shaping the future of scientific discovery
The Genesis Mission unites diverse expertise to tackle complex scientific and technological challenges, reflecting Texas A&M University's dedication to large-scale research collaborations. The university's involvement positions its researchers at the forefront of shaping future scientific discoveries. This project further enhances Texas A&M's significant research portfolio, which already includes one of the nation’s most powerful academic supercomputers.
