AI Adoption Jumps to 84% Among Researchers

A comprehensive study of more than 2,400 researchers worldwide finds that researchers remain optimistic about AI, with 85% reporting that it has improved their efficiency, and close to three-quarters saying it has enhanced both the quantity and quality of their work. Overall usage of AI tools surged from 57% in 2024 to 84% in 2025, including specific use for research and publication tasks, which grew significantly to 62% from 45%.

The ExplanAItions study was conducted by Wiley, a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence.

However, while AI usage has surged dramatically, researchers are significantly scaling back their expectations of what AI can currently do as they gain firsthand experience, moving beyond hype toward nuanced, evidence-based adoption. Last year, researchers believed AI already outperformed humans for over half of potential use cases presented. This year, that figure dropped to less than one-third.

“We’re witnessing a profound maturation in how researchers approach AI as surging usage has caused them to recalibrate expectations dramatically,” said Jay Flynn, Wiley EVP & General Manager, Research & Learning. “Wiley is committed to giving researchers what they need most right now: clear guidance and purpose-built tools that help them use AI with confidence and impact.”

Adoption Grows Alongside Informed Caution

Increased hands-on experience has bred more informed caution among researchers, with concerns about potential inaccuracies and hallucinations rising significantly from 51% to 64%. Privacy and security concerns have similarly intensified, climbing from 47% to 58%. This evolution reflects a maturing research community moving beyond initial enthusiasm toward a more nuanced understanding of present limits and future potential.

Accessibility Presents a Challenge

Researchers are more likely to rely on general-purpose AI tools rather than specialized ones for science and research, with 80% using mainstream tools like ChatGPT compared to just 25% using AI research assistants. The root of this disparity lies partially in awareness, with only 11% of researchers on average having heard of the specialized research tools surveyed. Most researchers (70%) are using a freely accessible tool, even if they are among the nearly half (48%) who also have access to a paid solution. This suggests that many researchers are employing a patchwork of solutions to try to meet their needs.

Corporate Researchers have Unique Advantages

Researchers in the corporate sector emerge as confident AI users with fewer barriers to successful implementation of AI in their work. They benefit from greater access to AI technology, with 58% reporting that their organization provides AI tools compared to just 40% across all sectors. They are also less hindered by a lack of guidelines and training, with 44% citing this as an obstacle to greater AI use, compared to 57% of all respondents.

Read the full article at New Jersey Business Magazine.