Researchers need more help to make the most of AI

Gaps in skills and infrastructure hinder UK academics’ use of artificial intelligence, says Ben Glover

The social and economic fallout of Covid-19, along with Brexit, poses universities their greatest set of challenges in at least a generation. Institutions and policymakers alike are making plans for adapting to the new world and fortifying the UK’s position as a world leader in research.

In a report published today, Research 4.0: Research in the age of automation, the think tank Demos contributes to this effort by highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in research—looking at both how its potential might be embraced, and the barriers that might prevent the UK from doing so.