What happened: A big new global study just dropped, and it shows that AI has pretty much taken over the world of academic research.

• A report from Wiley found that the number of researchers using AI in their daily work has absolutely exploded, jumping from just over half last year to a whopping 84% now.
• But while nearly everyone is using it, they’re also starting to ask for more rules and support from their institutions.
• It seems like everyone has jumped on the train, and now they’re trying to figure out where the tracks are headed.

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Why this is important: But here’s the interesting twist: most researchers aren’t using fancy, specialized AI built for science.

• They’re just using everyday tools like ChatGPT. This points to a bigger issue, they’re using what’s easy and available, not necessarily what’s best or safest for the job.
• It’s clear people still have concerns. A lot of them are worried about the AI just making stuff up, and many are also wary of the privacy risks.
• Interestingly, the initial hype has cooled down a bit; fewer people now think AI is smarter than humans.
• But even so, an overwhelming majority say it’s a massive help for brainstorming and just getting work done faster.

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Why should I care: AI’s growing role in research isn’t just about automation, it’s Why should I care: This isn’t just a story for scientists in a lab; it affects all of us.

• This is about how the knowledge and facts that shape our world are being created.
• It’s fundamentally about trust. Without clear rules, there’s a real risk of flawed or even fake research slipping through the cracks.
• That’s why most researchers are now asking for clear guidelines. They want publishers to be upfront about what’s allowed, and they think anyone using AI in their work should have to say so.
• This is a huge shift that will change how we decide which science we can trust.

What’s next: So, where do we go from here? The big challenge is to bridge the gap between what AI can do and how people are actually using it. Universities and publishers need to step up with better tools, proper training, and clear, transparent rules.

As AI gets even smarter, figuring out how to use it responsibly is going to be the main event. Basically, the next couple of years are going to be a wild ride, filled with a lot of debate about how to get this right.