AI & the Future of Research: Transformation or Hype?

 
📅 6 February 2026 | 🕓 2:00–3:00 PM AEST | Hybrid (Sydney + Online)
 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most talked-about forces shaping research today. Some see AI as a genuine driver of transformation — capable of accelerating discovery, reducing barriers to knowledge, and providing tools for breakthroughs across disciplines. Others, however, caution against inflated claims, over-dependence on algorithms, and the risk of undermining academic rigour.
 
As the first event in our Global Table Discussion 2026 Series, ExpertGate – Australia’s Global Research & Collaboration Hub – is convening a dialogue that addresses the fundamental question: Is AI truly transforming the way we conduct research, or is it simply the latest wave of hype?
 

Why This Discussion Matters

 
Research is no longer confined to journals and conference halls. With the introduction of AI, the very methods of knowledge creation, data analysis, and academic publishing are being reshaped. From AI-assisted literature reviews and lab automation to algorithmic peer review and predictive modelling, researchers face new opportunities and new risks. For Australia, the stakes are particularly high: how we position our research system in the global AI revolution will determine whether we remain a knowledge leader or fall behind in a fast-changing landscape.
 
This discussion will examine not only the technical possibilities but also the ethical, cultural, and political dimensions of AI in research. By bridging voices from universities, government, industry, and international partners, we aim to surface insights that are globally relevant while grounded in Australia’s research priorities.
 

Themes for Speakers

 
We are inviting leading thinkers, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute insights on topics such as:
 

AI in practice: How AI is already shaping research workflows, data analysis, and interdisciplinary discovery.

Integrity & trust: Risks around plagiarism, bias, reproducibility, and transparency in AI-driven research.

AI in publishing: The role of algorithms in peer review, knowledge dissemination, and the future of journals.

Policy & funding: How governments and funders are shaping AI adoption in research globally.

Australia’s role: How to position our research ecosystem in a rapidly evolving global AI environment.

Speaker Expectations

 
We welcome contributions from:

Academics and research leaders across all disciplines.

Policymakers and funding agency representatives.

Industry innovators building AI solutions for research.

International partners who can provide comparative perspectives.

Speakers are encouraged to present practical examples, policy insights, or provocative perspectives that challenge assumptions and stimulate meaningful debate.
 

Call for Expressions of Interest

 
Interested speakers should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 10 December 2025 to [email protected]

 Please include a short biography (150 words), an outline of your proposed contribution (max 300 words), and your availability.