Microbiology Society launches survey on artificial intelligence (AI)
The Microbiology Society has launched a new survey to gather insights from members and the wider microbiology community on artificial intelligence (AI).
The rapid adoption of AI tools since their public launch in 2022 has begun a fundamental shift in research workflows. From 2024 to 2025 alone, the number of researchers reporting to use AI in tools for ‘data collection, processing or metadata collection’ increased by over 44% [1]. The use of AI may soon be foundational to research and publishing practices.
The Microbiology Society wants to understand how AI is currently being used across microbiology and to identify the opportunities and challenges our community face as AI tools become more deeply embedded in scientific practice. We want to hear from you whether you’re using AI daily or have never used it before.
Your insights will help inform the Society’s position on AI and shape future policies and activities.
Respondents will be asked about:
- Application of AI tools in research and scientific publishing
- Expected impact of AI on their field and on the publishing landscape
- Views on AI policy and regulation
- Interest in expanding their engagement with AI
- Support needs related to AI
You can respond to the survey here.
If you would like to discuss this further, join us at the Get Involved area at Annual Conference on Tuesday 14 April, 13:30-14:30 for the Policy drop-in session!
References
[1] Digital Science, Nature S, Figshare T, Hahnel M, Smith G, Toogood M, et al. The State of Open Data 2025: A Decade of Progress and Challenges [Internet]. figshare; 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 5]. Available from: https://team.figshare.com/articles/presentation/_b_The_State_of_Open_Data_A_Decade_of_Progress_and_Challenges_b_/30823079/6
