Is Australian science ready for AI?
Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed scientific research worldwide.
This discussion paper series explores the preparedness of the Australian science sector for AI advances.
It aims to initiate a critical dialogue about how AI will reshape the policies, institutions, legal frameworks, funding models and cultural norms that underpin our national science ecosystem.
Additionally, it considers how the use of AI will have broader implications within Australia’s social fabric, economic stability and critical infrastructure.
These briefs seek to engage scientists, technologists and policymakers in some of the challenges and opportunities that AI’s emergence poses.
Note: these discussion papers were prepared and completed prior to the publication of the National AI Plan.
1. Introduction
AI will fundamentally reshape how science is practised by augmenting scientific capabilities and accelerating discovery. Paper 1 introduces AI, the concept of a national science system, and the role of trust in AI adoption.
2. AI and science
AI is changing the way scientific disciplines approach research. Paper 2 explores these shifts – from methods and practices, to ethical and integrity considerations.
3. Policy and funding mechanisms
Paper 3 covers trends in AI research and invstment and discusses how AI poses challenges to the research funding model.
4. Infrastructure
Paper 3 covers trends in AI research and invstment and discusses how AI poses challenges to the research funding model.
5. Science advice mechanisms
Generative AI tools could speed up science advice, but also come with limitations and reliability issues such as hallucination.
6. Systems to disseminate knowledge
AI poses risks for scholarly publishing. Generative AI can supercharge manuscript preparation, but it can also drown publishers in a tidal wave of submissions, further straining an already fragile peer-review system.
7. Skills and workforce
Paper 7 examines what AI means for science skills and the scientific workforce – including education, data literacy, gender equity and citizen participation.
8. Regulation and law
AI regulation and law must outline clear parameters with enough flexibility to advance novel technologies for scientific, economic and social gains while understanding and managing risks. Paper 8 considers whether Australia's regulations and laws governing science can anticipate the diffusion and adoption of AI.
