Varinia Bernales

Professor Varinia Bernales is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto and a Principal Investigator and Co-Director of the Matter Lab. Her research focuses on developing AI-driven platforms that accelerate scientific discovery, particularly at the intersection of machine learning, quantum chemistry, robotics, and autonomous experimentation. A central focus of her work is the development of the El Agente platform, including El Agente Q, an autonomous agent for quantum chemistry that supports next-generation simulation and self-driving laboratories for molecular and materials design. Her research integrates computational chemistry, AI systems, and experimental automation, while placing strong emphasis on AI safety, alignment, and governance in scientific contexts. By addressing both technical and ethical dimensions, her work aims to enable trustworthy and responsible AI-powered scientific discovery. Professor Bernales brings extensive industry experience to academia, having spent eight years in leadership and research roles at organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories Research Institutes and The Dow Chemical Company, where she co-invented several patented technologies. She has been recognized as a Trailblazer in Chemistry by Chemical & Engineering News (2024), a Great Minds in STEM Luminary Honoree (2023), and a recipient of the ACS COMP Outstanding Postdoc Award (2017). She actively mentors interdisciplinary teams spanning computer science, chemistry, engineering, and physics.