Lilian Weng Leaves Thinking Machines Over Health Concerns, Returns to OpenAI to Lead Research Team
Summary
Lilian Weng departs Thinking Machines due to health concerns and returns to OpenAI, where she will lead a top-level research team focused on accelerating internal research, including recursive self-improvement.
Key Points
- Lilian Weng steps down as co-founder of Thinking Machines, citing health concerns and unsustainable stress levels from startup life.
- OpenAI confirms Weng is rejoining the company, where she will lead a top-level team focused on accelerating internal research, including work on recursive self-improvement.
- Thinking Machines co-founder Mira Murati publicly supports Weng's decision to prioritize her health, though it remains unclear whether Murati knew Weng would return to OpenAI.