As AI becomes a bigger part of everyday life, scientists are finding exciting new ways of harnessing its transformative power to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges.
From designing new materials to mapping flood risks through clouds, Microsoft researchers are using AI to solve problems more quickly and effectively than ever before.
With sustainability and accessibility in mind, they are also overcoming challenges in surprising new ways — like using seaweed to lower cement carbon emissions and building an energy-efficient computer that uses smartphone camera sensors and light.
In 2025, Microsoft published numerous research papers in peer-reviewed journals sharing their findings with others to build upon. Here are 10 examples that show how AI and other technologies are accelerating innovation in banking, healthcare, life sciences and energy — and charting a path for much-needed breakthroughs.