Microsoft Researchers Drive AI Breakthroughs and Tackle Challenges

Microsoft researchers are at the forefront of AI innovation, advancing technologies ranging from trustworthy AI systems to quantum computing and agentic AI. Five researchers recently shared their work, challenges, and visions for the future of artificial intelligence with Forward Future, a daily AI newsletter.

Trista Chen: Ensuring Trustworthy AI

Trista Chen, Director of Microsoft’s AI Research Center, focuses on establishing trustworthy AI through advancements in face recognition, liveness detection, and anti-spoofing. Her team works to ensure AI can distinguish real human interactions from deepfakes, a critical concern in an era of digital deception.

"If AI can’t tell whether it’s interacting with a real person in real-time, its power risks doing more harm than good," Chen emphasizes. Her research prioritizes the essence of live personhood and machine-person agency, ensuring AI interactions are real, current, and trustworthy.

Flavio Griggio: Advancing Quantum Computing

Flavio Griggio, Research Manager at Microsoft Quantum, is building superconducting circuits essential for reliable and scalable quantum computing. His team aims to create quantum machines resilient to errors, which could revolutionize fields like medicine, energy, environmental science, and smart materials.

"My team’s readout circuits are key to making this happen — they help us actually see and use the power of topological qubits," Griggio explains. The potential impact of this work is vast, with applications ranging from advanced materials to energy efficiency.

Ahmed Awadallah: Developing Agentic AI Systems

Ahmed Awadallah, Partner Research Manager at Microsoft Research, is advancing agentic AI systems like AutoGen and small, high-performance language models such as Phi-4-reasoning. His work focuses on improving how AI agents reason, collaborate, and solve complex tasks while maintaining oversight, alignment, and transparency.

"We are already witnessing significant progress in both capabilities and adoption of AI agents," Awadallah notes. He envisions a future where AI agents are more reliable, trustworthy, and capable of augmenting human capabilities in everyday life.

Jina Suh: AI and Mental Health

Jina Suh, Principal Researcher at Microsoft, explores the intersection of AI and mental health, designing AI systems with psychological safety in mind. Her research addresses the potential psychological risks of AI and aims to maximize human potential and wellbeing.

"Success to me looks like the technology/AI industry recognizing their role in shaping and influencing people’s mental health," Suh says. Her work highlights the long-term societal impact of AI on mental health and wellbeing.

Cecily Morrison: Promoting AI Inclusivity

Cecily Morrison, Senior Principal Research Manager at Microsoft Research Cambridge, leads efforts to ensure AI reflects human diversity. Her team includes community voices in model development to make AI inclusive and extensible for everyone.

"The world is a kaleidoscope of people — rich in history, cultural nuance, and different ways of being," Morrison says. Her research aims to bring this plurality into AI models, ensuring they reflect the full richness of society.

The Future of AI at Microsoft

These researchers represent a snapshot of the broader AI innovation happening at Microsoft. Their work underscores the company’s commitment to advancing AI responsibly, ethically, and inclusively. As AI continues to evolve, Microsoft’s research will play a pivotal role in shaping its future.