David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 19/11/2025It's increasingly tempting to believe frontier models truly understand concepts and their relationships like humans do. Then I get a figure like this from today's leading model and the illusion is ruined. <sigh> 040
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 13/12/2024I propose a hybrid model - part research institute, part venture studio - that combines the proven ARPA model of focused, milestone-driven research with the agile capital deployment of modern tech companies. Through incubation and retained ownership of spin-outs, this can be self-sustaining. 12/14 110
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 13/12/2024IARPA MICrONS showed high-risk multidisciplinary R&D translates into both scientific and economic returns. In 5 years, MICrONS researchers spun out 12 companies that raised $170M and generated $350M in exits (so far). The government's investment more than paid for itself. 11/14 120
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 13/12/2024I believe a private institutional approach is best for systematically driving breakthroughs in intelligence science over the next decade. Let's explore why... 10/14 110
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 13/12/2024We need to make future advances like the fly connectome seem inevitable rather than miraculous. 6/14 x.com/DavidAMarkow... 120
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 13/12/2024No existing funder has the mission, scale, resources, and operating model required to coordinate the study of intelligence at the whole brain scale. Intelligence science needs its own Apollo program. 4/14 110
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 13/12/2024Intelligence science and biomedical neuroscience are distinct disciplines that require different research and funding models. 3/14 140
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 17/11/2024This was an experiment in the power of framing, and a very revealing one (for me). People *can* get excited about science funding if it plays to their identity politics. 1143
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 08/10/2024What a joyful day for Princeton and pocket protector wearers everywhere. One graduate mentor's Nobel down, one to go. 030
David A. Markowitz @davidamarkowitz.bsky.social · 20/02/2024This was me, once upon a time. Marriott would always give these pointless upgrades, e.g. I'd arrive in DC at 11 pm for one night in a standard room and they'd say "We upgraded you! Now you can host a dinner party for 8 people!" 110
