Dario Gil Says Winning ‘AI and Quantum Race’ and Protecting National Labs Will Be Top Priorities

Dr. Dario Gil, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary for Science at the Department of Energy, told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee he will prioritize national-lab research capability, quantum and AI-driven discovery, and protections against foreign espionage if confirmed.

Gil said the U.S. must “win the AI race” and move aggressively on quantum computing, arguing the national labs are the “world's greatest platform of scientific discovery” in the physical sciences and should be mobilized to deliver capabilities at scale.

In his opening remarks, Gil described a career in nanotechnology and corporate research: he said he helped create “the world's first cloud accessible quantum computer” in May 2016 and described two decades in private-industry research leadership. He told senators that combining AI, high-performance computing and quantum could accelerate major scientific programs such as fusion and novel catalysts.

Committee members pressed Gil on lab security. To a question about theft of U.S. intellectual property, Gil said, “I'm keenly aware of the theft of intellectual property from China” and that he has had to “deal with consequences” in his career. He added, “we have to do everything in our power to protect it,” referring to sensitive research in AI, quantum and fusion.

Senators also sought assurances about protecting open science, which many witnesses and lab directors describe as important to attracting and retaining technical talent. Gil said he understands that open-science activity, even when a small fraction of some lab budgets, is “almost the most important part” because it helps recruit and retain staff and supports broader scientific discovery.

Gil urged a results-oriented approach to quantum and AI research and proposed mobilizing centers, testbeds and investments toward building a “quantum-centric supercomputer” as a national capability. He told the committee he would work with members to secure a timeline and resources to deliver that capability and the scientific breakthroughs it could enable.

Gil also described his current public-service roles, including service on the National Science Board and other advisory bodies, and pledged to work with the committee and DOE leadership if confirmed. The hearing produced no committee vote; follow-up questions were invited in writing.