The 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%.
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 had already outperformed humans for over half of the potential use cases presented. This year, that figure dropped to less than one-third.
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