Open Science at the generative AI turn: An exploratory analysis of challenges and opportunities

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Abstract

Technology influences Open Science (OS) practices, because conducting science in transparent, accessible, and participatory ways requires tools and platforms for collaboration and sharing results. Due to this relationship, the characteristics of the employed technologies directly impact OS objectives. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is increasingly used by researchers for tasks such as text refining, code generation/editing, reviewing literature, and data curation/analysis. Nevertheless, concerns about openness, transparency, and bias suggest that GenAI may benefit from greater engagement with OS. GenAI promises substantial efficiency gains but is currently fraught with limitations that could negatively impact core OS values, such as fairness, transparency, and integrity, and may harm various social actors. In this paper, we explore the possible positive and negative impacts of GenAI on OS. We use the taxonomy within the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science to systematically explore the intersection of GenAI and OS. We conclude that using GenAI could advance key OS objectives by broadening meaningful access to knowledge, enabling efficient use of infrastructure, improving engagement of societal actors, and enhancing dialogue among knowledge systems. However, due to GenAI’s limitations, it could also compromise the integrity, equity, reproducibility, and reliability of research. Hence, sufficient checks, validation, and critical assessments are essential when incorporating GenAI into research workflows.

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  1. This Zenodo record is a permanently preserved version of a PREreview. You can view the complete PREreview at https://prereview.org/reviews/11320176.

    The paper addresses an in important and timely issue in open science: the appropriateness of adopting generative AI into open science practices. The authors delve into benefits and limitations of genAI in the conduct and dissemination of science by using the UNESCO open science recommendations as a type of rubric.

    Major issues

    There are no major issues by my read with the manuscript, however, there are a significant number of minor issues the authors should consider addressing in their next draft. The authors should be commended for putting this research and thought leadership together into the manuscript.

    Minor issues

    • The abstract of the paper implies that there's a direct, one way …