Microsoft Research Podcast

Trailer: The Shape of Things to Come 

March 3, 2026 | Doug Burger
Microsoft research lead Doug Burger introduces his new podcast series, "The Shape of Things to Come", an exploration into the fundamental truths about AI and how the technology will reshape the future.

Recent Podcasts

  1. Code in the Classroom with Dr. Peli de Halleux 

    February 15, 2018

    Episode 12, February 15th, 2018 - If you’ve ever wondered if you could find the perfect combination of computer scientist… and Macgyver, look no further than Dr. Peli de Halleux, principal Research Software Design Engineer at Microsoft Research. A key member of the MSR RiSE…

  2. a man wearing glasses and looking at the camera

    Getting LinkedIn to Data Science with Dr. Igor Perisic 

    February 7, 2018

    Episode 11, February 7, 2018 - Big data is a big deal, and if you follow the popular technical press, you’ll have heard all the metaphors: data is the new oil, the new bacon, the new currency, the new electricity. It’s even been called the…

  3. a woman smiling for the camera

    Life at the Intersection of AI and Society with Dr. Ece Kamar 

    January 24, 2018

    Episode 9, January 24, 2018 - As the reality of artificial intelligence continues to capture our imagination, and critical AI systems enter our world at a rapid pace, Dr. Ece Kamar, a senior researcher in the Adaptive Systems and Interaction Group at Microsoft Research, is…

  4. The future is quantum with Dr. Krysta Svore 

    January 17, 2018

    Episode 8, January 17, 2018 - If someone mentions quantum computing, and you find yourself outwardly nodding your head, but secretly shaking it, you’re in good company: some of the world’s smartest people admit they don’t really understand it either. Fortunately, some of the world’s…

  5. photo of Dr. Ben Zorn - Research Manager, Principal Researcher, wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

    How Programming Languages Quietly Run the World with Dr. Ben Zorn 

    January 3, 2018

    In an era of AI breakthroughs and other exciting advances in computer science, Dr. Ben Zorn would like to remind us that behind every great technical revolution is… a programming language. As a Principal Researcher and the Co-director of RiSE – or Research in Software…

  6. photo of Dr. Steven Drucker - Principle Researcher

    Visualizing Data and Other Big Ideas with Dr. Steven Drucker 

    December 20, 2017

    In a wide-ranging interview, veteran Microsoft Researcher, Dr. Steven Drucker talks about his work in data visualization, the importance of clear communication in a world of complex algorithms and big data, and the long, slow work of big breakthroughs. He also offers some pro-tips to…

  7. a person sitting on a table

    Getting Virtual with Dr. Mar Gonzalez Franco 

    December 13, 2017

    Episode 4, December 13th, 2017 - On today’s episode, neuroscientist and virtual reality researcher, Dr. Mar Gonzalez Franco, talks about her work in VR, explains how avatars can help increase our empathy and reduce our biases via role play, and addresses the misconceptions that exist…