The role of artificial intelligence in scientific research : a science for policy, European perspective

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming the scientific process across all stages, from hypothesis generation and experimental design to data analysis, peer review and dissemination of results. In many research fields, such as the examined protein structure prediction, materials discovery and computational humanities, AI accelerates discovery, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and enhances reproducibility, while improving access to advanced analytical and computational capabilities. These developments align with the European Union (EU)'s vision to make AI tools and infrastructure more accessible, strengthening research in areas of strategic importance such as climate change, health, and clean technologies. However, this progress introduces new challenges, including concerns about algorithmic bias, the proliferation of hallucinations and fabricated data, and the potential erosion of critical thinking skills. AI adoption remains uneven across scientific domains, and addressing these risks requires robust governance, transparency and alignment with open-science principles. This report serves as the scientific evidence base for the European Strategy for AI in Science, offering insights to help policymakers navigate the challenges and opportunities of AI. It supports efforts to maximize the benefits of AI for research excellence and competitiveness in the EU, while maintaining a firm commitment to ethical, inclusive, and European values.