A new report by HEPI and Taylor & Francis explores the potential of AI to advance translational research and accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to real-world application.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Advance Translational Research (HEPI Policy Note 67), authored by Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy and Strategy at HEPI, and Lan Murdock, Senior Corporate Communications Manager at Taylor & Francis, draws on discussions at a roundtable of higher education leaders, researchers, AI innovators and funders, as well as a range of research case studies, to evaluate the future role of AI in translational research.
Key findings
The report finds that AI has the potential to strengthen the UK’s translational research system, but that realising these benefits will require careful implementation, appropriate governance and sustained investment.
Key findings include:
Recommendations
To ensure AI supports high-quality and responsible translational research, the report makes recommendations for research funders, institutions and publishers, including:
Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy and Strategy at HEPI and co-author of the report, said: “The UK has extraordinary research strengths, but too many ideas struggle to make the journey from discovery to real-world use. AI has the potential to support this process by speeding up analysis, connecting disciplines and improving access to research. However, these benefits will only be realised if AI is used transparently, ethically and in ways that strengthen, rather than replace, human expertise.”
Rebecca Lawrence, VP Knowledge Translation at Taylor & Francis, said: “We are grateful to all the roundtable participants and those who shared case study insights. The valuable discussions and the ensuing process of putting the policy note together has highlighted the benefits of working collectively to harness the power and opportunity that responsible AI use can provide for translational research.”
By investing in interdisciplinary expertise, ethical governance and infrastructure, stakeholders can help transform translational research, enabling more of the latest research to deliver meaningful societal benefits.
Read the full report: Using Artificial Intelligence to Advance Translational Research