OVERVIEW

In this episode of The Global Lens, Daniella Sussman sits down with Thilo Stadelmann to explore how artificial intelligence is actually evolving beyond the headlines. The conversation touches on machine learning and the role of science diplomacy while questioning common assumptions about rapid breakthroughs. Together, they focus on what it really takes to build technology that people can trust and that works in service of society.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Thilo Stadelmann challenges dominant narratives around artificial general intelligence, arguing that current AI systems remain fundamentally limited despite rapid progress. The discussion explores how machine learning scaling is reaching diminishing returns and why new paradigms may be needed for meaningful breakthroughs. The episode also dives into AI ethics, digital sovereignty, and the risks of poorly designed human-AI interaction, particularly in relation to mental health and trust. Ultimately, the conversation presents a compelling case for pro-human technology, open-source AI ecosystems, and the role of policy in shaping a more equitable AI-driven future.

In this episode, we discuss:

02:02 - Questioning the plausibility of near-term artificial general intelligence timelines

06:02 - Why scenario based thinking matters more than prediction in AI policy

09:03 - Exploring the limitations of current machine learning systems and scaling laws

12:29 - How AI interaction may reshape human behavior and relationships

27:53 - Digital trust, sovereignty, and the risks of centralized AI ecosystems

33:35 - Open source AI and the future of local innovation and global competition

43:26 - What policymakers and science diplomats can do to support humane AI futures

ABOUT THE GUEST

Thilo Stadelmann is Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the ZHAW School of Engineering in Switzerland and Founding Director of its Centre for Artificial Intelligence. With over 15 years of experience, he leads research in machine perception and cognition, focusing on representation learning across image, audio, and signal data with real-world applications.

He is a co-founder of Alpine AI AG, the ZHAW Datalab, and the Data Innovation Alliance, and advises on AI policy and governance. He is also the author of Applied Data Science and his 2025 essay AI in 2035 outlines a vision for efficient, open, and trust-centered AI systems.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚇ (Book) Applied Data Science – https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-11821-1

⚇ (Studies or Research) Assessing Deep Learning – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43681-023-00408-z

⚇ (Studies or Research) A Guide to AI – https://stdm.github.io/downloads/papers/GRW_2025.pdf

⚇ (Studies or Research) Debate: Evidence-Based AI Risk Assessment for Public Policy – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540962.2025.2541304

⚇ (Studies or Research) The Stochastic Nature of Machine Learning and Its Implications for High-Consequence AI – https://stdm.github.io/downloads/papers/AIEthics_2026.pdf

⚇ (Video) TEDx Talk on How Not to Fear AI – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deVbP-hViMQ

⚇ (Website) AI in 2035 – https://stdm.github.io/AI-in-2035/

⚇ (Website) How Not to Fear AI – https://premium-speakers.com/en/magazin/thilo-stadelmann-how-not-to-fear-artificial-intelligence/

⚇ (Reference) How Bad Are A.I. Delusions? – https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/us/chatgpt-delusions-psychosis.html

————

This episode is brought to you by Global Signals, a curated bi-weekly paid newsletter for globally minded policymakers, international researchers, strategic industry leaders, and investors.

Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/Global-Lens

————

CONNECT WITH THILO STADELMANN:

⚇ Website: https://thilo-stadelmann.com

⚇ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thilo-stadelmann/

⚇ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqEjuibTwlVoO9bUW0oI0pA

CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:

⚇ Podcast Website: https://the-global-lens.captivate.fm/

⚇ Global Lens Website: https://glsd.ai

⚇ Global Signals: https://global-signals.ghost.io/

⚇ Book: The Science Diplomacy Playbook – Kindle and Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/author/daniellasussman

⚇ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellasussman/

OVERVIEW

Science Diplomacy takes center stage in this episode of The Global Lens, where Nobel Laureate Dr. Peter Agre of Johns Hopkins University reflects on how scientific collaboration can advance international relations in ways politics cannot. Through his remarkable experiences in global engagement and research, Dr. Agre reveals how empathy, evidence, and dialogue remain the most powerful tools for bridging divides.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In a moving conversation with host Daniella Sussman, Dr. Agre recounts his extraordinary journey from molecular biologist to global envoy for peace. Drawing from his new book Can Scientists Succeed Where Politicians Fail?, he shares personal stories from North Korea, Cuba, and Iran—moments where shared scientific curiosity opened channels of trust amidst deep conflict. He discusses how science diplomacy can protect researchers, strengthen international partnerships, and foster hope even in divided times. Listeners will gain insight into how education, compassion, and persistence can turn science into a force for global cooperation.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:48 - Curiosity and empathy as foundations for a life in science and global engagement

03:34 - How recognition in science can evolve into a platform for dialogue and cooperation

05:29 - Science as a language of trust in politically divided places like Cuba and North Korea

07:44 - Lessons in humility and respect from diplomatic exchanges across geopolitical divides

13:55 - Institutions protecting openness and collaboration in global research

17:12 - Mentorship and education shaping the next generation of globally minded scientists

20:41 - Science diplomacy as a bridge for peace, understanding, and shared progress

ABOUT THE GUEST

Peter Agre, awarded the 2003 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering aquaporins, is a physician, molecular biologist, and Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. As former President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), he has led scientific delegations around the world, advancing cooperation across political divides to address shared global scientific challenges. Dr. Agre champions science diplomacy as a vital tool for international cooperation.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚇ (Book) Can Scientists Succeed Where Politicians Fail? by Dr. Peter Agre and Dr. Seema Yasmin - https://www.amazon.com/Scientists-Succeed-Politicians-Hopkins-Wavelengths/dp/1421452995

⚇ (Studies or Research) Discovery of the Aquaporins and Their Impact on Basic and Clinical Physiology - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7129575/pdf/main.pdf

⚇ (Website) Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute - https://publichealth.jhu.edu/malaria-research-institute

⚇ (Website) American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) - https://www.aaas.org/

⚇ (Reference) Science Magazine - https://www.science.org/

————

This episode is brought to you by Global Signals, a curated bi-weekly paid newsletter for globally minded policymakers, international researchers, strategic industry leaders, and investors.

Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/Global-Lens

————

CONNECT WITH DR. PETER AGRE:

⚇ Website: https://bdp.jhu.edu/bd-professors/peter-agre/

CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:

⚇ Podcast Website: https://the-global-lens.captivate.fm/

⚇ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellasussman/

⚇ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellasussmanglobal/

OVERVIEW

In this episode of The Global Lens, host Daniella Sussman speaks with Professor Ugo Amaldi about science diplomacy and international scientific collaboration through the lens of CERN and global research cooperation. Drawing on decades of leadership in large-scale experiments, Amaldi reflects on how sustained partnerships shape the future of research, from quantum technologies to medical innovation. The conversation highlights how collaborative science advances discovery while building trust across geopolitical boundaries.

EPISODE SUMMARY

From Cold War collaborations with Soviet scientists to pioneering CERN experiments and advancing cancer therapy with hadron beams, this episode traces the evolution of global scientific cooperation. Amaldi shares lessons learned from managing large international teams, translating fundamental physics into life-saving treatments, and establishing durable networks across nations. The conversation also examines disparities in research investment within Europe and advocates for sustained, long-term commitment to science as a foundation for diplomacy and progress. Throughout, collaboration is presented not just as an ideal, but as a practical necessity for advancing knowledge and fostering peace.

In this episode, we discuss:

01:41 – Introduction to the importance of international scientific collaboration

03:30 – Cold War era science and cross-cultural cooperation with Soviet physicists

04:10 – Building large-scale international collaborations at CERN

05:54 – Balancing innovation and stability in complex experiments

09:08 – Transition from work in particle physics to pioneering cancer therapy

18:20 – European disparities in research funding and investment

21:35 – Advice to future scientists: curiosity, optimism, and collaboration

ABOUT THE GUEST

Ugo Amaldi is a particle physicist and pioneer in hadron therapy. A CERN Scientist Emeritus, he co-discovered the rising proton-proton cross section in 1973, founded and led the 500-member DELPHI collaboration at LEP, and proposed the cyc-linac accelerator for cancer treatment. In 1992 he created the TERA Foundation, leading to Italy’s CNAO center and influencing facilities worldwide. As Scientific Director of the Tera-Care Foundation, he now advances clinical helium facilities with CERN. Author of more than 600 papers (h-index 83), accelerator physics textbooks, and popular science books including Particle Accelerators: From Big Bang Physics to Hadron Therapy (Springer). Co-author of ~40 physics textbooks used by millions of students globally.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚉ (Reference) European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) - https://home.cern/

⚉ (Studies or Research) DELPHI experiment - https://home.cern/science/experiments/delphi

⚉ (Reference) National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) - https://fondazionecnao.it/en/

⚉ (Reference) European Network for Hadron Therapy (ENLIGHT) - https://enlight.web.cern.ch/

CONNECT WITH UGO AMALDI:

⚉ Inspire HEP: https://inspirehep.net/

CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:

⚉ Podcast Website: https://glsd.ai/

⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellasussman/

⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellasussmanglobal/