How to read this finding
Predicted structures and database usage do not measure discoveries or clinical benefits. Plasma control in one device does not establish net-energy fusion. Data leakage can invalidate apparently strong evaluations.
What did the 200 million AlphaFold structures mean?
They greatly expanded the set of predicted protein structures available to researchers. They were computational predictions, and the report expected downstream scientific benefits to emerge over time.
Evidence you can use
AI for science in the 2022 report
Historical snapshot: October 2022. Dates and populations are specified per row.
| Measure | Reported value | Definition and source |
|---|---|---|
| AlphaFold predicted structures | Approximately 200M | Predicted structures in the expanded database, not experimental determinations.2022 report, slide 16 (PDF page 16) |
| Reported database users | More than 500,000 | Researchers who had used the database in the report’s account.2022 report, slide 16 (PDF page 16) |
| Plasma-control deployment | TCV tokamak, Lausanne | Specific experimental device used for the reinforcement-learning demonstration.2022 report, slide 15 (PDF page 15) |
Predicted structures and database usage do not measure discoveries or clinical benefits. Plasma control in one device does not establish net-energy fusion. Data leakage can invalidate apparently strong evaluations.
Sources and dates
Historical snapshot published October 11, 2022. This web edition was prepared on 2026-10-11 from the online deck and original launch posts. Findings and forecasts retain their original time frame.
- 2022 report, slide 15 (PDF page 15)Original 2022 report. Printed slide numbers match PDF pages.
- 2022 report, slide 16 (PDF page 16)Original 2022 report. Printed slide numbers match PDF pages.
- 2022 report, slide 20 (PDF page 20)Original 2022 report. Printed slide numbers match PDF pages.
- 2022 report, slide 65 (PDF page 65)Original 2022 report. Printed slide numbers match PDF pages.
- State of AI Report 2022: online slides
- Air Street Press launch essayOctober 11, 2022.
- Welcome to State of AI Report 2022Original website launch post, October 11, 2022.
Cite this page
Benaich, Nathan, and Ian Hogarth. “What did the 200 million AlphaFold structures mean?” State of AI Report 2022. Historical report snapshot; web edition prepared 2026-10-11.