Beyond buzzwords: bridging AI and blockchain research to real-world impact

Mark Weber (@markrweber) is an applied research scientist and strategy & operations lead at the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, an academic-industry partnership for advanced AI research. He also leads the lab’s business program with member companies, working to connect dots across disciplines to bridge fundamental research to real-world impact. Mark’s current works include graph deep learning for anti-money laundering and b_verify, a blockchain-based protocol for verifiable records in agricultural finance, pollution monitoring, and other use-cases. Prior to IBM Research, Mark was a graduate researcher at the MIT Media Lab’s Digital Currency Initiative and a fellow at the MIT Legatum Center for Development & Entrepreneurship while he earned his MBA in finance from MIT Sloan. Classically trained in Notre Dame's intensive "great books" program, Mark spent the first chapters of his career focused on political economy and development. He produced three documentary films on these subjects, most notably the critically acclaimed film Poverty, Inc. Mark's recreational joys include ultramarathon trail running, reading, and experiencing new cultures.