The Swedish Research Council to explore how AI can be used in research

In the 2024 Research and Innovation Bill, the government highlights AI as a technology with the potential to revolutionize scientific methods. The EU has also recently emphasized the importance of a common strategy for AI in research.

“We see that AI tools are already being used in research today and will play an increasingly important role across all fields. Our task now is to create a comprehensive picture of the needs and to help ensure that AI is used effectively and responsibly,” says Viktoria Mattsson, Head of the Collaboration Department at the Swedish Research Council.

The Council’s assignment includes identifying the need for support and guidance for researchers and conducting an international environmental analysis. The aim is to enable transparent, ethical, and efficient use of AI throughout the research process—use that aligns with principles of scientific excellence, openness, and research integrity, without increasing administrative burden or creating unnecessary regulatory complexity.

Dialogue with universities, funders, and authorities

The work will be carried out in close dialogue with universities, other research funders, and relevant authorities. Vinnova will contribute expertise and experience, particularly related to its mission concerning strategic technologies.

The Swedish Research Council is also running other initiatives where AI issues are central, such as efforts around e-infrastructure for research and the Excellence cluster program for groundbreaking technologies. It is therefore important that the AI assignment is coordinated with these efforts.

“What is happening within these initiatives can provide valuable insights into how AI is already being used in research and thus form an important foundation for the new assignment,” says Viktoria Mattsson.

The work will take place from 2026 to 2028 and will be reported annually to the Government Offices.

Assignment to the Swedish Research Council to nationally coordinate efforts to promote the use of artificial intelligence in research (in Swedish, Government website) External link.