Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming deeply embedded in the way research is conceived, conducted, and communicated. From literature reviews to data analysis, AI is reshaping the research process, not as a replacement for researchers, but as a tool that can augment creativity, productivity, and insight.
Across UK higher education, AI is showing up in powerful and sometimes surprising ways: generating text, analysing data, reviewing literature, identifying trends, and even influencing research policy and funding models. AI is fast becoming a vital part of the research ecosystem. But with such rapid change comes the need for thoughtful, collaborative spaces to explore the opportunities, challenges, and implications of these technologies.
In anticipation of these changes the Jisc AI team is delighted to be introducing the new AI in research community. To help discuss the needs, concerns and hopes for the role of AI in the research community.
What is the AI in Research Community?
This community is a growing network of researchers, academics, technologists, librarians, policy professionals, and leaders from across the research sector. It was created to offer a space where people can connect, share, and shape the role of AI for researchers together. Whether you’re actively using AI in your research, developing AI tools, or simply curious about its potential, this community is for you.
Early Reflections on AI in Research: Insights from the Community
As part of launching the AI in Research community, we invited members to share their experiences and perspectives on how they’re currently engaging with artificial intelligence. Contributions via our introductory Padlet show both curiosity and a desire to collaborate, experiment, and learn together.
Here’s what emerged:
How AI is Being Used
- Participants shared a wide range of current uses, often practical and exploratory in nature:
- Drafting and summarising: Tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are helping with writing, feedback, and early drafting of grant applications or academic texts.
- Literature review support: AI is being used to process large volumes of research papers and highlight key themes.
- Editing and reviewing: Some are using AI to help clarify language or rework complex sections during peer review.
- Data analysis: AI is also assisting in identifying trends in qualitative datasets.
Across these use cases AI is seen as a support tool, not a replacement, human oversight remains key.
Areas of Interest
The Padlet responses reflect shared priorities:
- Peer learning: Strong interest in case studies, tools in use, and practical examples.
- Process improvement: AI is being explored for tasks like summarisation, reference management, and categorising data.
- Inclusion and accessibility: AI offers potential to support diverse users, including those with neurodivergent needs.
- Openness: Some are exploring open-source tools for greater transparency and control.
- Governance questions: Respondents noted the importance of aligning tool use with institutional policies and research goals.
Hopes and Concerns
Community members are optimistic about AI’s potential to:
- Save time on repetitive tasks
- Support creativity and deeper thinking
- Enhance accessibility, especially for smaller institutions or early career researchers
- At the same time, key concerns include:
- Bias and ethical use
- Transparency of commercial tools
- Environmental impact
- Need for clear policies on disclosure, authorship, and acceptable use
Support Needs
Themes around support and infrastructure include:
- Training and confidence-building: A strong desire for role-specific, discipline-aware learning.
- Shared examples: Community members want to learn from real use cases and institutional strategies.
- Practical guidance: On responsible use, implementation, and policy alignment.
What We’re Still Wondering
Participants raised important open questions:
- How will AI affect research quality and pace?
- What counts as authorship in AI-assisted outputs?
- How can we ensure ethical and inclusive use?
- What support do researchers need to adopt AI safely and effectively?
Why This Matters
AI is becoming increasingly part of the research landscape. This community space exists to ensure people in research have a voice in shaping how it’s used ethically, inclusively, and in line with academic values. We’re here to surface real world concerns, share experiences, and build knowledge together as a community.
Find out more by visiting our Artificial Intelligence page to view publications and resources, join us for events and discover what AI has to offer through our range of interactive online demos.
For regular updates from the team sign up to our mailing list.
Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk