Welcome to our latest roundup of updates, insights, and resources exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence in research and across the higher education sector. This roundup covers developments from June-July 2025.
Our aim is to keep you informed with key news, policy changes, tools, case studies, and good practice emerging in this fast-evolving space. We’ll be sharing updates monthly to help you stay up to date and navigate the opportunities and challenges AI brings to research and academic practice.
News:
Research drives responsible governance in AI.
Academic research is beginning to shape policy. Maximillian Goehmann, a PhD researcher at the London School of Economics, is contributing evidence to Parliament about the risks AI poses to financial markets. His research warns that AI systems often rely on flawed or incomplete data, which can lead to poor trading decisions, biased outcomes, and even systemic instability. He argues for stronger data governance to ensure AI decisions in finance are safe and transparent. The fact that the Treasury Committee is considering his work underlines how PhD research can influence policy and protect industry standards.PhD AI research considered by UK Treasury Committee.
Responsible university research is delivering real world impact through AI and shaping the future of industries
The University of Sheffield is pioneering the use of AI and real-world data to support the NHS’s long-term vision. Through their £4 million South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, researchers are combining data from wearables, smartphones, and NHS records to build tools that support earlier diagnosis and more efficient care. The standout project an AI model that can process heart scans.
In contrast to the financial sector example, where research warns of how poor quality data can spread risk through AI systems, Sheffield’s research shows what’s possible when data is well managed and aligned with frontline industry needs. Research and collaboration can create systems that are safer, faster, and fairer. University of Sheffield data and AI advancements shaping NHS future.
The workforce is changing fast. Universities must keep pace
The next generation of graduates are stepping into a job market being radically changed by AI. Students are showcasing concern about this new climate and how it will affect their career prospects. There’s a critical need for AI literacy, digital skills, and practical training to prepare people for a changing job market. Graduates raise concerns over career prospects and AI.
Joined up data is key to scaling impactful health research with AI.
Plans are emerging for a centralised data-sharing platform to support health researchers. If delivered effectively, this could unlock significant potential for AI-driven research by making large, integrated datasets accessible for transparent, fair innovation. The Labour government proposes centralised NHS data platform.
Practical, low risk AI adoption is already underway in FE, and it’s working.
Research from further education’s experience with AI demonstrates the value of starting small but strategically when it comes to AI. Universities and higher education can be inspired by the journeys happening in FE. Many providers have started using AI for planning, resourcing, admin, and feedback, freeing staff to focus on other critical aspects of the role.
Their message: the biggest risk isn’t hype, it’s hesitation. Higher education could learn from FE’s grounded, staff-focused approaches. FE Sector Leads with Practical AI Adoption
Discovery tools are evolving fast—institutions should be aware of new enablers like this.
Microsoft has launched “Discovery”, a platform designed to integrate agentic AI into the research process. It aims to speed up R&D across academic fields by making discovery and collaboration easier. Microsoft Discovery: Accelerating Research with AI
These centres will help grow the UK’s next generation of AI research leaders.
The UKRI is investing in centres for doctoral training focused on training PhD students to develop AI methodologies and apply AI to various fields like healthcare and climate change. UKRI Funds New AI Doctoral Training Centres
Collaboration Drives Ethical, High-Quality AI Development
The UK and France have agreed to deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence research, launching new joint projects, researcher exchanges, and shared innovation hubs. This bilateral initiative focuses on responsible AI development in areas such as healthcare, climate change, and defence. It builds on recent discussions at the UK–France Summit and reflects a shared commitment to maintaining democratic oversight of AI technologies.
The partnership includes support for doctoral researchers, cross-border data collaboration, and aligning regulatory standards. UK– France AI Research Partnership Announced.
In case you missed it:
Has AI ‘transformed’ university for the better
Could AI tools weaken the quality of published research?
Spotlight on AI tools for research:
AI tools are becoming integral to the research process, assisting with literature review, data analysis, and academic writing.
Examples of AI Tools:
Elicit: Helps with data extraction and summaries.
Research Rabbit: Facilitates literature mapping and collaboration.
Scite AI: Aids in citation analysis.
Semantic Scholar: An AI-powered tool for scientific discovery.
Thesify: Provides academic feedback.
Trinka: Helps with grammar and academic writing.
Extra Considerations
Ethics
Guidelines are emerging on how to properly cite and use AI generated content in research and publications.
AI’s Role in Scientific Discovery:
AI is seen as a powerful tool to complement human research, but it is not expected to replace human researchers entirely.
AI as a Complementary Tool:
AI can enhance research by providing faster and more accurate data analysis, but human researchers are still needed for critical thinking, interpretation, and creative problem-solving, according to Coursera.
AI is reshaping how we research, teach. Stay tuned as we follow how the sector continues to adapt, question, and innovate.
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.
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Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk