Meta brings back Robert Fergus to lead AI lab
Fergus replaces Joelle Pineau and aims to push FAIR toward human-level technology experiences.
Meta Platforms has brought back Robert Fergus to lead its AI research lab, FAIR, which he helped found in 2014 alongside Yann LeCun. After spending five years as a research director at Google’s DeepMind, Fergus returns to replace Joelle Pineau, who steps down on 30 May.
Fergus, who previously spent six years as a research scientist at Facebook, announced his return on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude to Pineau and reaffirming Meta’s long-term commitment to AI.
FAIR, Meta’s Fundamental AI Research division, focuses on innovations such as voice translation and image recognition to support its open-source Llama language model.
The move comes as Meta ramps up its AI investment, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg allocating up to $65 billion in capital spending for 2025 to expand the company’s AI infrastructure.
AI is now deeply integrated into Meta’s services, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and a new standalone app meant to rival OpenAI.
By bringing Fergus back instead of appointing a new outsider, Meta signals its intent to build on its existing AI legacy while pushing further toward human-level machine experiences.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
