AI Research
Researchers ‘polarised’ over use of AI in peer review
Researchers appear to be becoming more divided over whether generative artificial intelligence should be used in peer review, with a survey showing entrenched views on either side.
A poll by IOP Publishing found that there has been a big increase in the number of scholars who are positive about the potential impact of new technologies on the process, which is often criticised for being slow and overly burdensome for those involved.
A total of 41 per cent of respondents now see the benefits of AI, up from 12 per cent from a similar survey carried out last year. But this is almost equal to the proportion with negative opinions which stands at 37 per cent after a 2 per cent year-on-year increase.
This leaves only 22 per cent of researchers neutral or unsure about the issue, down from 36 per cent, which IOP said indicates a “growing polarisation in views” as AI use becomes more commonplace.
Women tended to have more negative views about the impact of AI compared with men while junior researchers tended to have a more positive view than their more senior colleagues.
Nearly a third (32 per cent) of those surveyed say they already used AI tools to support them with peer reviews in some form.
Half of these say they apply it in more than one way with the most common use being to assist with editing grammar and improving the flow of text.
A minority used it in more questionable ways such as the 13 per cent who asked the AI to summarise an article they were reviewing – despite confidentiality and data privacy concerns – and the 2 per cent who admitted to uploading an entire manuscript into a chatbot so it could generate a review on their behalf.
IOP – which currently does not allow AI use in peer reviews – said the survey showed a growing recognition that the technology has the potential to “support, rather than replace, the peer review process”.
But publishers must fund ways to “reconcile” the two opposing viewpoints, the publisher added.
A solution could be developing tools that can operate within peer review software, it said, which could support reviewers without positing security or integrity risks.
Publishers should also be more explicit and transparent about why chatbots “are not suitable tools for fully authoring peer review reports”, IOP said.
“These findings highlight the need for clearer community standards and transparency around the use of generative AI in scholarly publishing. As the technology continues to evolve, so too must the frameworks that support ethical and trustworthy peer review,” Laura Feetham-Walker, reviewer engagement manager at IOP and lead author of the study, said.
AI Research
BNY and Carnegie Mellon University announce five-year $10 million partnership supporting AI research — EdTech Innovation Hub
The $10 million deal aims to bring students, faculty and staff together alongside BNY experts to advance AI applications and systems to prepare the next generation of leaders.
Known as the BNY AI Lab, the collaboration will focus on technologies and frameworks that can ensure robust governance of mission-critical AI applications.
“As AI drives productivity, unlocks growth and transforms industries, Pittsburgh has cemented its role as a global hub for innovation and talent, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s leadership in shaping the broader AI ecosystem,” comments Robin Vince, CEO at BNY. “Building on BNY’s 150-year legacy in the Commonwealth, we are proud to expand our work with Carnegie Mellon University to help attract world-class talent and pioneer AI research with an impact far beyond the region.”
A dedicated space for the collaboration will be created at the University’s Pittsburgh campus during the 2025-26 academic year.
“AI has emerged as one of the single most important intellectual developments of our time, and it is rapidly expanding into every sector of our economy,” adds Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon. “Carnegie Mellon University is thrilled to collaborate with BNY – a global financial services powerhouse – to responsibly develop and scale emerging AI technologies and democratize their impact for the benefit of industry and society at large.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
Charlotte EdwardsBusiness reporter, BBC News
Getty ImagesThe UK and US are set to sign a landmark agreement aimed at accelerating the development of nuclear power.
The move is expected to generate thousands of jobs and strengthen Britain’s energy security.
It is expected to be signed off during US President Donald Trump’s state visit this week, with both sides hoping it will unlock billions in private investment.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations were “building a golden age of nuclear” that would put them at the “forefront of global innovation”.
The government has said that generating more power from nuclear can cut household energy bills, create jobs, boost energy security, and tackle climate change.
The new agreement, known as the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, aims to make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both the UK and the US.
It will streamline regulatory approvals, cutting the average licensing period for nuclear projects from up to four years to just two.
‘Nuclear renaissance’
The deal is also aimed at increasing commercial partnerships between British and American companies, with a number of deals set to be announced.
Key among the plans is a proposal from US nuclear group X-Energy and UK energy company Centrica to build up to 12 advanced modular nuclear reactors in Hartlepool, with the potential to power 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs.
The broader programme could be worth up to £40bn, with £12bn focused in the north east of England.
Other plans include multinational firms such as Last Energy and DP World working together on a micro modular reactor at London Gateway port. This is backed by £80m in private investment.
Elsewhere, Holtec, EDF and Tritax are also planning to repurpose the former Cottam coal-fired plant in Nottinghamshire into a nuclear-powered data centre hub.
This project is estimated to be worth £11bn and could create thousands of high-skilled construction jobs, as well as permanent jobs in long-term operations.
Beyond power generation, the new partnership includes collaboration on fusion energy research, and an end to UK and US reliance on Russian nuclear material by 2028.
Commenting on the agreement, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Nuclear will power our homes with clean, homegrown energy and the private sector is building it in Britain, delivering growth and well-paid, skilled jobs for working people.”
And US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the move as a “nuclear renaissance”, saying it would enhance energy security and meet growing global power demands, particularly from AI and data infrastructure.
Sir Keir has previously said he wants the UK to return to being “one of the world leaders on nuclear”.
In the 1990s, nuclear power generated about 25% of the UK’s electricity but that figure has fallen to around 15%, with no new power stations built since then and many of the country’s ageing reactors due to be decommissioned over the next decade.
In November 2024, the UK and 30 other countries signed a global pledge to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050.
And earlier this year, the government announced a deal with private investors to build the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk.
Its nuclear programme also includes the UK’s first small modular reactors (SMRs), which will be built by UK firm Rolls Royce.
Amazon earlier this year began rolling out artificial intelligence-voiced product descriptions for select customers and products.
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