Research Transformation

Change in the era of AI, open and impact: voices from the academic community

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Academia is at a pivotal juncture

It has often been criticized as slow to change, but external pressures from an increasingly complex world are forcing rapid change in the sector.

We need answers to pressing issues and there is a growing expectation for research to deliver. But increasing demands, tightening budgets, and lack of infrastructure can stand in the way of progress. We need solutions and many are turning to emerging technologies for support.

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Your experiences, as told to us

To understand more about how the research world is transforming, what’s influencing change, and how roles are impacted, we reached out to the research community through a global survey and in-depth interviews.

In order to build tools that really speak to users’ needs, as well as talking often, it is important to understand where the space has come from and where it is moving too. We were delighted to hear how aligned our focusses were. I’m particularly excited to see where we can improve on all fronts with the inevitability and all of the benefits of open research.

Mark Hahnel | VP Open Research| Digital Science

Report key findings

1. Open research is transforming research, but barriers remain

Open research cited as most positive change in last five years
Open research top change the community would like to see in the next five years
Challenges in open research include lack of awareness, funding, support, resources and infrastructure
Concerns around data security, research quality and competitiveness

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2. Research metrics are evolving to emphasize holistic impact and inclusivity

Frustration with traditional metrics, but they still hold weight
Call for a more holistic evaluation of research impact and quality
A limited shift to more responsible use of traditional metrics and introduction of alternative metrics
Institutes addressing academic culture issues but need greater recognition for non-traditional contributions

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3. AI’s transformative potential is huge, but bureaucracy and skill gaps threaten progress

Emerging technologies will continue to impact roles over the next five years
New technology expected to drive efficiencies in data and analytics, and open research
Call to address AI skills gap and introduce change management strategies
Enthusiasm for AI tempered by concerns around ethics, security and integrity, as well as AI bias, hallucinations and impact on critical thinking

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4. Collaboration is booming, but increasing concerns over funding and security

Interconnected technology and open research support greater global connectivity
Collaboration has multiple benefits e.g. can increase citations and enhance research quality
Easy to find collaborators, but scarce funding to support partnership
Increasing concerns around research security and ‘damaging’ collaborations

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5. Security and risk management need a strategic and cultural overhaul

Security threats putting international research collaborations at risk
Institutions tasked to balance risk and innovation, but they aren’t equipped
Risk management conflicts with other priorities
Tendency to ‘wait and see’, rather than proactive management

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Our report speaks loudly of the technological advancements, new research practices and global problems driving change in academia. These transformations have created both opportunities and obstacles for institutions and the sector at large.

Simon Porter | VP Research Futures| Digital Science

Driving progress for all

At Digital Science, our goal is to advance global research by solving the community’s biggest challenges through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. We aspire to be at the forefront of progress, supporting change in the sector, and finding new solutions to old and new problems. Our job is to make life easier for everyone in the research world – researchers, universities, funders, industry, and publishers – so that research can become open, fairer, faster, freer and more connected to drive progress for all.

Our report speaks loudly of the technological advancements, new research practices and global problems driving change in academia. These transformations have created both opportunities and obstacles for institutions and the sector at large.

Key questions for our community

AI

How can we share a framework where we can trust the automation AI provides throughout researcher workflows?
How can cultural change be achieved in time for such a fast-changing phenomenon?

Open

Is open research an inevitability?
How do we define research security in the context of open research, where academic freedom is balanced with responsibility?

Impact

What is ‘real impact,’ and can it be measured beyond rankings?
With geopolitics creating an environment that reduces opportunities for collaboration, what are the implications for academia in a more siloed research world?