LANL Director Thom Mason speaks on the impact of AI at the lab and in New Mexico

LANL Director Thom Mason speaks on the impact of AI at the lab and in New Mexico

Author: Santa Fe New Mexican October 28, 2025 Duration: 36:44

On a visit to J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Los Alamos house earlier this year, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright referred to the development of artificial intelligence as a “second Manhattan Project race” that the U.S. needs to win. With Los Alamos National Laboratory’s supercomputers, scientific workforce and collaborations with companies including OpenAI and NVIDIA, lab officials have said the facility aims to be a leader in the AI arena.

In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” LANL Director Thom Mason speaks with host Inez Russell Gomez about artificial intelligence, describing what it is and why so many people are excited about it. He also discusses how AI is being used at LANL and how it can help increase productivity for lab workers.

Mason talks about Venado, the lab’s newest supercomputer, and what it’s used for. Gomez asks him about the lab’s need for more power, and how much of that comes from its AI endeavors.

Mason also discusses how AI can be used in education, how it could impact the workforce, the opportunities for AI in New Mexico, and concerns that have arisen about the technology as it becomes more advanced.

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There's a particular rhythm and texture to life in Northern New Mexico, a blend of history, art, and complex contemporary conversations that defines the region. Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez captures that essence through thoughtful dialogue. Presented by the Santa Fe New Mexican, this podcast moves beyond headlines, guided by host Inez Russell Gomez, whose decades as Opinion Page Editor inform her nuanced approach. Each episode is built around a genuine exchange with the local and regional personalities who are actively shaping the cultural and societal landscape. You'll hear from artists, community leaders, writers, and thinkers, all engaged in talks that are designed to be more provocative than promotional. The discussions delve into the ideas, challenges, and stories that matter here, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the forces at play in America's oldest capital city and the surrounding areas. It’s a series for anyone curious about the real conversations happening just beneath the surface. Tune in for a podcast that prioritizes substance and perspective, reflecting the unique character of its setting through every candid interview.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Conversations Different with Inez Russell Gomez
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