Source
University of Bristol
Summary
This report highlights how UK universities are beginning to integrate generative AI into research assessment processes, marking a significant shift in institutional workflows. Early pilot programmes suggest that AI can assist in evaluating research outputs, managing reviewer assignments and streamlining administrative tasks associated with national research exercises. The potential benefits include increased consistency across assessments, reduced administrative burden and enhanced scalability for institutions with extensive research portfolios. Despite these advantages, the report underscores the importance of strong governance structures, transparent methodological frameworks and ongoing human oversight to ensure fairness, academic integrity and alignment with sector norms. The emerging consensus is that AI should serve as an augmenting tool rather than a replacement for expert judgement. Institutions are encouraged to take a measured approach that balances innovation with ethical responsibility while exploring long-term strategies for responsible adoption and sector-wide coordination. This marks a shift from viewing AI as a hypothetical tool for research assessment to recognising it as an active component of evolving academic practice.
Key Points
- GenAI already used in UK HE for research assessment.
- Potential efficiency gains in processing large volumes of research.
- Increased standardisation of evaluation.
- Governance and oversight essential.
- Recommends controlled scaling across sector.
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