Tech giant OpenAI has unveiled a pay-for-access tool called ‘deep research’, which synthesizes information from dozens or hundreds of websites into a cited report several pages long. This tool, similar to Google’s released in December, acts as a personal assistant, doing the equivalent of hours of work in tens of minutes. Scientists are divided on the tool’s potential, with some praising its ability to write literature reviews and identify gaps in knowledge, while others express concerns about accuracy and the potential for AI to replace human researchers.
Forecast for 6 months: As more researchers and scientists adopt AI-powered tools like OpenAI’s deep research, we can expect to see a significant increase in the efficiency and accuracy of research output. This may lead to a surge in breakthroughs and discoveries in various fields, particularly in areas where human researchers are scarce or overwhelmed.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, we can expect to see the development of more sophisticated AI-powered research tools that can handle complex tasks and provide high-quality results. This may lead to a shift in the way research is conducted, with AI-powered tools becoming an integral part of the research process.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, AI-powered research tools are likely to become ubiquitous in various fields, leading to a significant increase in research output and quality. This may also lead to a reevaluation of the role of human researchers and the potential for AI to augment or replace human capabilities.
Forecast for 10 years: Within the next decade, AI-powered research tools may have transformed the research landscape, leading to a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. This may also raise important questions about the ethics and governance of AI-powered research, particularly in areas where human values and biases are at stake.
