Saudi Arabia Emphasises Ethical Use Of AI In Scientific Research At Global Meeting

The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation in Nouakchott, Mauritania, hosted a regional meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Representatives from the council’s General Secretariat attended. Dr. Hassan bin Yahya Al-Ayied represented Saudi Arabia on behalf of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) President Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud Al-Desouki.

Dr. Al-Ayied emphasised the need for ethical management of artificial intelligence (AI) to align with global research priorities. He highlighted AI's role in enhancing research funding efficiency, reducing bias in reviews, identifying scientific trends, and offering data-driven solutions. The MENA region's young talent is eager to innovate by integrating AI and collaborating on research to tackle challenges.

Dr. Al-Ayied underscored the importance of leveraging scientific achievements in the region to launch initiatives connecting regional experts with global networks. Establishing research clusters for sustainable AI and investing in young researchers' capabilities were also highlighted as crucial steps. Developing joint funding mechanisms is essential to support multidisciplinary projects addressing issues like water scarcity and sustainable energy.

He welcomed Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 13th annual GRC meeting from May 18 to 22, 2025. The event will focus on "Research Management in the Age of AI" and "Joint Creative Collaboration to Tackle Global Challenges." This gathering is sponsored by the Research, Development and Innovation Authority and KACST, alongside Turkey's Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK).

In his speech, Dr. Al-Ayied noted that the MENA region is brimming with young talent ready to embrace innovation through AI applications. He stressed joint cooperation in research as a means to overcome challenges and lead transformative global initiatives.

The meeting served as a platform for discussing AI's impact on research management. It provided insights into how AI can improve scientific research funding efficiency, reduce bias in reviews, discover emerging trends, and offer practical data-based solutions.

Dr. Al-Ayied concluded by highlighting the significance of focusing on regional scientific achievements. Initiatives should aim to connect regional experts with global networks while establishing sustainable AI research clusters.

With inputs from SPA