Artificial intelligence in research
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and applications for AI are growing every day. More recently, the rise of large language models (LLM) such as ChatGPT and similar platforms have made AI more accessible for everyone to use.
AI in Research has two broad meanings; it encompasses research undertaken into AI itself, as well as AI tools used for research activities.
Australian research into AI is world class with 22 per cent of such research in the top 10 percent of that published. This compares to 16.2 per cent for China and 21 per cent for the US.
But researchers across all disciplines are increasingly using AI tools, which may speed up and or improve the depth and quality of their research. Using AI tools comes with risks that need to be carefully considered to ensure the tools are used in an ethical and responsible way.
Universities are responding to, and mitigating risks posed by AI by developing guidelines and policies for staff and HDR students on how to appropriately use AI. TEQSA, ARC and NHMRC also provide guidance to researchers on the use of AI.
As policy makers in Australia and abroad are grappling with the concept, conversations around whether and how to regulate the use of AI are ongoing.
Working group on AI in Research
To support the sector adapting to AI, the UA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Committee has established a working group to lead and advise the Committee on matters relating to the constructive and ethical use of AI in the conduct of research and research training, and in particular the use of generative AI.
Membership of the working group can be found here.
The working group has developed a range of resources to support universities adapting to the rapidly evolving AI applications within their institutions:
List of AI experts, researchers and policy specialists
Overview of resources, guidelines and policies available at universities
Common areas where AI tools are used in research
Common themes across university guidelines on AI
If you wish to add to any of the resources, please contact us on [email protected].
