TL;DR
AlphaFold, the AI system from Google DeepMind, marked its fifth anniversary as WIRED revisited its influence and future. The project, which won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry last year, remains a focal point for discussion about how AI reshapes biology and chemistry.
What happened
AlphaFold reached a five-year milestone this year, prompting a WIRED conversation with DeepMind researcher Pushmeet Kohli about the system’s trajectory. The project, built by Google DeepMind, has been widely covered by the publication over the past years and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in the year prior to this piece. WIRED’s reporting frames AlphaFold as a transformative development for biological and chemical research, and the interview with Kohli explored both recent accomplishments and the idea that the system is still evolving. The article, published December 24, 2025, reflects on AlphaFold’s influence since its debut and situates the tool as an ongoing subject of scientific and technological attention rather than a finished product.
Why it matters
- AlphaFold is presented as a disruptive innovation in biology and chemistry, prompting shifts in how researchers approach molecular problems.
- Recognition with a Nobel Prize signals broad scientific validation and raises the profile of AI-driven methods in fundamental research.
- Ongoing evolution implies continued research, investment, and potential future developments that could affect many scientific disciplines.
- Public conversations and reporting, such as the WIRED interview with a DeepMind researcher, shape expectations and scrutiny around AI tools in science.
Key facts
- AlphaFold was developed by Google DeepMind.
- The system celebrated its fifth anniversary at the time of the WIRED piece.
- WIRED interviewed DeepMind researcher Pushmeet Kohli about AlphaFold’s recent past and future.
- The project won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in the year before the article was published.
- WIRED has periodically reported on AlphaFold’s activities and impact over the last several years.
- The feature was written by Sandro Iannaccone and published on December 24, 2025.
- The article frames AlphaFold as having permanently changed aspects of biology and chemistry.
What to watch next
- Announcements from DeepMind regarding concrete next steps or technical roadmaps for AlphaFold — not confirmed in the source.
- Published results or demonstrations showing new capabilities or applications of AlphaFold in scientific research — not confirmed in the source.
- Responses and adaptations from the broader biology and chemistry research communities as AlphaFold continues to be used and developed — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- AlphaFold: An artificial intelligence system developed by Google DeepMind aimed at predicting protein structures.
- Protein folding: The process by which a protein acquires its functional three-dimensional shape from a linear amino acid sequence.
- Google DeepMind: A research lab and company focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, part of the Alphabet/Google corporate family.
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry: An annual international award recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry.
Reader FAQ
What is AlphaFold?
AlphaFold is an AI system created by Google DeepMind that is discussed in the article as having transformed aspects of biology and chemistry.
Did AlphaFold win a Nobel Prize?
Yes. The article states AlphaFold won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in the year before publication.
Who did WIRED speak with for this piece?
WIRED interviewed Pushmeet Kohli of DeepMind about AlphaFold’s recent past and future.
When was AlphaFold first released?
not confirmed in the source
SANDRO IANNACCONE SCIENCE DEC 24, 2025 5:00 AM AlphaFold Changed Science. After 5 Years, It’s Still Evolving WIRED spoke with DeepMind’s Pushmeet Kohli about the recent past—and promising future—of the…
Sources
- AlphaFold Changed Science. After 5 Years, It’s Still Evolving
- AlphaFold: Five Years of Impact
- How Alphafold Has Changed Biology Research, 5 Years On
- AlphaFold five years on: What this new era means for …
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