The New Era of AI-Powered Protein Design | César Ramírez-Sarmiento | TED
In his TED talk, “The New Era of AI-Powered Protein Design,” César Ramírez-Sarmiento, a protein engineer from Santiago, Chile, explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on protein engineering. Highlighting proteins as the vital macromolecules of life composed of 20 amino acids, Ramírez-Sarmiento explains that these complex structures dictate various biological functions—from digestion to gene regulation.
Traditionally, designing proteins to tackle pressing global issues—like plastic pollution and healthcare challenges—has been a time-consuming endeavor, often yielding success rates of just 1%. However, with recent advancements in AI, this rate has surged to 10-20%, enabling scientists to create innovative protein structures with tailored functions more efficiently.
Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, Ramírez-Sarmiento emphasizes the importance of fostering a robust community of protein engineers in Latin America. He is passionate about educating the next generation of scientists in the region, as they navigate unexplored territories of protein design to create impactful solutions for localized problems. Ultimately, he envisions a future where creativity in protein engineering catalyzes meaningful change for society, leveraging AI as a powerful tool for innovation. Join him in imagining a world where science and creativity come together to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.
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Video “The New Era of AI-Powered Protein Design | César Ramírez-Sarmiento | TED” was uploaded on 11/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TED