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National AI in Research Survey

Overview

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Thank you for taking part in the first iteration of the National AI in Research Survey. This survey aims to understand how, why, when and where artificial intelligence (AI) is used in research and scholarly practice across the UK. Delivering a National AI in Research Survey is a direct action within the UK’s AI for Science Strategy led by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT). The strategy defines national priorities for how AI can transform science and research in the UK.  

The survey is designed to capture insights across the full research life cycle, encompassing all disciplines and career stages, as well as covering multiple categories of AI. Over time, repeated survey data collection will generate a comprehensive understanding of AI use in research across the UK, including usage patterns and practices, the scale and impact of adoption, and the key enablers and barriers encountered by researchers. The survey findings will help inform future policy and support wider governmental efforts related to the responsible use of AI for research in the UK. 

The survey design has been informed by three key inputs: (i) a rapid literature review; (ii) a survey design and ideation stakeholder workshop organised by RAND Europe and the UK Metascience Unit; and (iii) feedback from a pilot survey which focused on structure, themes, clarity and overall user experience.   

Practical information

  • The survey is intended for researchers based in organisations across the UK higher education research ecosystem and covers all disciplines and career stages. 
  • In this survey, we take a broad definition of AI that covers multiple categories. UKRI characterises AI as technologies that "aim to reproduce or surpass abilities (in computational systems) that would require intelligence if humans were to perform them. These include: learning and adaptation; sensory understanding and interaction; reasoning and planning; search and optimisation; autonomy; creativity."
  • The survey should take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.  
  • All responses will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and confidentiality requirements.  
  • The deadline for completing the survey is 23:00 on 4 September 2026, although the survey may either close early, or the deadline may be extended by a few days, subject to the number of responses received. 
  • Please avoid clicking the ‘Back’ button on your browser when filling out the survey. If you need to return to a previous question, we recommend using the ‘Previous Page’ option at the bottom of each page. 
  • All mandatory questions include the '- required' label in the wording, although its position may shift depending on screen size. This reflects an accessibility feature of the survey platform.
  • As we are using a range of dissemination approaches, you may receive the survey invitation through multiple channels. Please feel free to use any link you are provided with – they all lead to the same survey. We kindly ask that you complete the survey once.

If you have any questions or feedback about the survey, please contact us at: ai4research@randeurope.org

Thank you for your support.

 

Please click here to access the Privacy Notice, and here to access the Participant Information Sheet.

By proceeding with the survey, you confirm that you have read and understood the Participant Information Sheet and agree to participate voluntarily. You understand that you may stop the survey at any time without penalty. Your responses will be anonymised, analysed and publicly reported only in aggregate form, and used solely for research and policy analysis.