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.
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.
Download Paper 1: Introduction (PDF, 472KB)
AI is changing the way scientific disciplines approach research. Paper 2 explores these shifts – from methods and practices, to ethical and integrity considerations.
Download Paper 2: AI and science (PDF, 487KB)
Paper 3 covers trends in AI research and invstment and discusses how AI poses challenges to the research funding model.
Download Paper 3: Policy and funding mechanisms (PDF, 475KB)
AI demands serious computational muscle. Paper 4 asks whether Australia has the infrastructure it needs to access AI opportunities, with a focus on national computing infrastructure.
Download Paper 4: Infrastructure (PDF, 471KB)
Generative AI tools could speed up science advice, but also come with limitations and reliability issues such as hallucination.
Download Paper 5: Science advice mechanisms (PDF, 471KB)
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.
Download Paper 6: Systems to disseminate knowledge (PDF, 548KB)
Paper 7 examines what AI means for science skills and the scientific workforce – including education, data literacy, gender equity and citizen participation.
Download Paper 7: Skills and workforce (PDF, 450KB)
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.
Download Paper 8: Regulation and law (PDF, 450KB)
Media release: National AI plan highlights critical role of Australian science
Public Speaker Series: AI in Science: The promise, perils and path forward
Submission: AI in the public sector (October 2024)
Submission: AI guardrails in high-risk settings (October 2024)
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