Elsevier Survey Finds Researchers Increasingly Use AI but Lack Governance and Training

Elsevier shared results from its latest Researcher of the Future survey, announced in a press release, revealing that 58% of researchers now use AI tools in their work, up from 37% in 2024. The global survey, which included responses from more than 3,200 researchers across 113 countries, found that less than half of respondents have enough time to conduct research, and only a third expect increased funding in the next few years.

The report shows that while AI adoption is accelerating, confidence in institutional AI governance and training remains low. Just 32% of researchers believe their institution has effective AI governance, and only 27% feel adequately trained in AI use. Regional differences are significant, with 68% of Chinese researchers saying AI tools give them more choice, compared to 29% in the U.S. and 26% in the U.K.

Researchers cited time savings as the main benefit of AI, using tools primarily for summarizing research, conducting literature reviews, and drafting proposals. However, concerns about ethics and reliability persist, with only 23% believing AI tools are ethically developed and 22% considering them trustworthy. Respondents said transparency, up-to-date training data, and human validation would increase their confidence in AI tools.

The survey also found that 29% of researchers are considering relocating for better funding or work-life balance, with Canada, Germany, and the U.S. among top destinations. Elsevier plans to collaborate with research institutions and policymakers to develop strategies supporting the research community worldwide.