Global Research Council Issues Declaration To Promote Responsible AI Use In Research Management

The 13th annual Global Research Council meeting in Riyadh, held from May 18 to 22, concluded with a declaration focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in research management. This document outlines principles for AI's responsible use, aiming to reshape scientific research and knowledge production. It highlights the importance of international cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals.

Transparency is crucial in AI systems used for research management. The declaration stresses the need to disclose how these systems function, their usage, and data processing methods. Ensuring human oversight and logical interpretation of AI decisions is vital for accountability and reducing bias.

Members emphasized equitable access to AI technologies, especially in resource-limited regions. They advocated for developing low-resource-consuming AI models to bridge the digital divide. Open-source AI models should be promoted by research funding agencies to support peer organizations and reduce computational power needs.

Collaboration between nations and institutions is essential for exchanging expertise and supporting regions with limited AI capabilities. Systems should be designed considering diversity to ensure fair decision-making benefiting researchers globally.

The declaration calls for maintaining public trust by publishing information on AI training processes, data storage, and processing methods. It encourages releasing AI training datasets while adhering to strict privacy standards. Continuous evaluation of AI systems is necessary to enhance awareness of their limitations.

A specialized AI task force with mature technology adoption practices was proposed. This group would focus on responsible technology use in research management.

Inclusivity and Stakeholder Engagement

Advancing creative international collaboration requires inclusivity and equity principles. The declaration recommends engaging stakeholders at all stages of collaborative research—from planning through evaluation—to foster science culture and capacity building within societies.

Interdisciplinary projects integrating scientific, technical, and social knowledge are encouraged. Public involvement in data collection and analysis can enhance transparency and trust in research outcomes.

Emerging Technologies and Governance

The declaration highlights leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT for improved transparency in collaborative projects. These projects should consider environmental, social, and economic dimensions with performance indicators measuring sustainable impact.

Clear governance structures are necessary for transparency in these initiatives.

Strategies for Creative Collaboration

Research funding institutions are urged to adopt strategies supporting creative collaboration practices. These include multilingual digital environments for international cooperation, flexible funding models, legislative frameworks for participatory innovation, joint funding programs, and tools measuring initiative effectiveness.

The meeting marked the first time the Global Research Council convened in the Middle East and North Africa region. Over 200 participants from 66 countries attended, including 54 heads of research organizations alongside leaders from scientific research funding institutions.

With inputs from SPA