More than three quarters of researchers use AI in their research, OUP survey suggests

A new survey by Oxford University Press (OUP) has suggested that more than three quarters (76%) of researchers currently use some form of AI tool in their research, despite only 8% trusting AI companies not to use their research data without permission.

The poll of more than 2,000 researchers at different career stages and across different disciplines also found that 25% have concerns about AI reducing the need for critical thinking skills in research and that it could damage the development of these skills for the future. Almost half (46%) said that the institution they work for has no AI policy. 

Of the AI tools used, machine translations and chatbots were cited as the most popular, followed by AI-powered search engines or research tools. Currently, according to the research, AI is most used for discovering, editing, and/or summarising existing research.

Many were optimistic, with more than a quarter (28%) saying the technology would “revolutionise how academic research is conducted and disseminated” and 27% “excited about the prospects of AI for academic research”. Helping with data analysis and surfacing content were mentioned as ways it could potentially improve research outcomes, with more than a third believing that using AI in their work would save time.

Among those who had already used AI in their research, 67% felt it has benefited them to some degree. However, just 6% said they believe AI companies will meet data privacy and security needs.

David Clark, managing director of OUP’s Academic Division, said of the findings: “Throughout OUP’s history we have embraced new opportunities offered by technological advancement – in line with our mission to publish rigorous, high quality academic resources – responding to the needs of the academic community, while ensuring that the scholarship we publish remains valued and protected.

“This research will help OUP to understand how researchers are thinking about generative AI and its use in their work. As these technologies continue to rapidly develop, our priority is in working with research authors and the broader research community to set clear standards for how that evolution should take place. This is a fast moving, complex area – but we strongly believe that publishers like OUP are well positioned to act as a bridge between research authors and tech providers, making a real difference as these tools continue to evolve.

"We are actively working with companies developing LLMs, exploring options for both responsible development and usage that will not only improve research outcomes, but also recognise the vital role that researchers have – and must continue to have – in an AI-enabled world.”