Microsoft Research

Learn the rules: The hacker mindset

Research Manager Mike Walker discusses his career across hacker culture, cybersecurity, and AI, offering insights into trust, teamwork, leadership, and the importance of curiosity, judgment, and agility for tackling tough problems. He emphasizes that understanding the rules is essential for effective problem‑solving in these fields.

Microsoft Research
Oct 6

What AI gets wrong and what failure teaches us

Jennifer Neville, who initially had no interest in computer science, found herself in the field and has since focused on uncovering the unexpected failures that challenge AI’s ability to manage complexity. In her article, she reflects on the career path that led her to this niche, highlighting the moments of both progress and setbacks that shaped her work. The piece emphasizes how these surprising failures reveal the limits of current AI systems.

By Chad Atalla, Jennifer Neville
Microsoft Research
Oct 20

Called to serve: Tech, research, and positive impact

Lab Director Chris White discusses his research on real‑world problems, including wartime data analysis and tools to fight human trafficking. He explains the influences that guided his work and shares insights with program manager Weishung Liu. The conversation highlights how technology and research can drive positive societal impact.

By Weishung Liu, Chris White
arXiv AI
Sep 16

AI Policies: Help or Hindrance? A Software Developer's Perspective

The article examines how AI policies implemented by software organisations affect developers, using insights from 19 interviews. It finds that while such policies aim to reduce risks like data leaks and unauthorized use, they can also impede developers if not properly engaged. The authors propose developer‑centric strategies to help managers and decision makers implement effective AI policies.

By Samuel Ferino, Rashina Hoda, John Grundy, Christoph Treude, Hashini Gunatilake
Microsoft Research
Oct 29

Microsoft Research Focus – Edition #97

Microsoft Research Focus – Edition #97 features host Sowbhagya Suresh discussing recent developments across Microsoft. Topics include challenges faced by coding agents, insights into how people use AI at work, and advancements in extended‑range weather forecasting. The episode highlights cutting‑edge research and practical applications within the company.

By Sowbhagya Suresh
Towards Data Science
Jul 10

The Big Con of Agentic AI

What our over-dependence on external consulting teaches us about delegating our minds to machines The post The Big Con of Agentic AI appeared first on Towards Data Science .

By Chinmay Kakatkar
arXiv AI
Jun 17

Like a Hammer, It Can Build, It Can Break: Large Language Model Uses, Perceptions, and Adoption in Cybersecurity Operations on Reddit

arXiv:2604. 09998v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Large language models (LLMs) have recently emerged as promising tools for augmenting Security Operations Center (SOC) workflows, with vendors increasingly marketing autonomous AI solutions for SOCs.

By Souradip Nath, Chih-Yi Huang, Aditi Ganapathi, Kashyap Thimmaraju, Jaron Mink, Gail-Joon Ahn
arXiv AI
Jul 10

The Contribution of XAI for the Safe Development and Certification of AI: An Expert-Based Analysis

arXiv:2408. 02379v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Developing and certifying safe - or so-called trustworthy - AI has become an increasingly salient issue, especially in light of upcoming regulation such as the EU AI Act.

By Benjamin Fresz, Vincent Philipp G\"obels, Safa Omri, Danilo Brajovic, Andreas Aichele, Janika Kutz, Jens Neuh\"uttler, Marco F. Huber