The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.

The Genesis Mission’s Transformational AI Models Consortium, or ModCon, aims to build self-improving AI systems by leveraging Department of Energy data and expertise. Led by Stefan Wild, the BASE team develops reusable AI methods that underpin all Genesis Mission projects, including tools for data curation and model evaluation. ModCon operates through four core teams: BASE for AI research, BPSW for workflow integration, DBS for data standards, and IPPF for partnerships. The initiative collaborates with the American Science Cloud and private sector to advance scientific breakthroughs across disciplines.

Berkeley Lab leads ModCon’s BASE effort, which establishes core AI capabilities for the Genesis Mission. The BASE/Data thrust, led by Shreyas Cholia, creates the Data Science Agent Toolkit to autonomously transform raw scientific data into training-ready formats. The BASE/Eval thrust, directed by Wild, builds the Genesis Mission Proving Ground to assess AI model performance across customizable metrics. Berkeley Lab also contributes data detectives for biological, materials, and energy data, as well as AI readiness standards.

Berkeley Lab’s participation spans all four ModCon teams, drawing on its expertise in scientific machine learning and data management. The lab has advanced scalable software and breakthroughs in materials science, biology, and physics over the past decade. Its leadership in DOE’s Exascale Computing Project and user facilities positions it to support the Genesis Mission’s goals. The ScienceIT team also facilitates access to frontier AI models for lab employees, enhancing collaborative research efforts.

Berkeley Lab, managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, conducts discovery-focused research to address energy and scientific challenges. With 17 Nobel Prizes and a history of team-based innovation since 1931, the lab provides world-class facilities for researchers globally. Its contributions to ModCon reflect its commitment to advancing AI-driven solutions in science, energy, and national security.