Wiley identifies emerging AI research applications in new study, announces forthcoming guidelines for authors

Wiley, a global leader in research and learning, has unveiled the findings of its latest major study, ExplanAItions, which explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the research process. Based on insights from nearly 5,000 researchers worldwide, the study highlights the current and future impact of AI, identifying both opportunities and challenges for researchers across disciplines.

The ExplanAItions study offers a comprehensive analysis of AI use in research, showing that while AI applications are currently limited to a few key tasks, researchers anticipate rapid expansion in its use over the next two years. Researchers are increasingly confident in AI’s potential, with a majority believing that AI currently outperforms humans in over half of the 43 tested use cases.

Key Insights from the Study:

? Current AI Use & Future Prospects: Although AI is mostly utilized for core tasks today, researchers expect its role to broaden significantly, covering various stages of the research process in the near future.

? Global Adoption & Regional Differences: AI adoption varies by region, with China (59%) and Germany (57%) leading the way compared to the global average of 44%. However, challenges remain universally, including a lack of clear guidelines and training, with more than 60% of researchers citing these as barriers to wider AI adoption.

? Disciplinary Attitudes Toward AI: Fields like Computer Science and Medicine are more eager to adopt AI, with 44% and 38% of researchers in these areas identifying as early adopters. Conversely, Life Sciences researchers remain more cautious, with only 27% considering themselves early adopters.

? Call for Publisher Support: Across the board, 70% of researchers expressed the need for publishers to provide clear AI guidelines, particularly around what constitutes acceptable AI use in scholarly research. Researchers also highlighted the importance of avoiding potential errors associated with AI applications.

Despite the growing interest and potential of AI, barriers to its widespread use persist. The study points to significant gaps in training and the lack of established guidelines on AI’s role in research. As a response, Wiley is developing a comprehensive set of AI guidelines for authors, set to launch in the coming months. These guidelines will address the practical, ethical, and technical challenges that researchers face, offering actionable recommendations for responsible AI use in academic writing.

In addition to the forthcoming guidelines, Wiley’s broader commitment to advancing AI in research includes several initiatives designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The company’s AI Partnerships: A Co-Innovation Program aims to accelerate scientific discovery, while The Conversations series—featuring a special episode on AI ethics—provides valuable insights into the ethical considerations surrounding AI in research. Wiley has also established a set of AI Principles to guide the development of responsible AI use within the academic community.

Wiley’s proactive stance in supporting researchers reflects its ongoing leadership in the evolving landscape of research and publishing. By addressing the practical and ethical considerations of AI, Wiley aims to ensure that researchers can harness AI’s full potential while maintaining the integrity of scholarly work.

For more detailed insights, the full findings of the ExplanAItions study are available on a dedicated microsite, which also features supporting resources and factsheets.

Click here to read the original press release.