AI Adoption Jumps to 84% Among Researchers as Expectations Undergo Significant 'Reality Check'
New Wiley study shows enduring optimism, evolving views about the role of AI
Wiley (NYSE:WLY), a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence, today announced key findings from its second ExplanAItions study, revealing a major course correction taking place.
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The comprehensive study of more than 2,400 researchers worldwide finds that researchers remain optimistic about AI, with 85% reporting that it has improved their efficiency, and close to three-quarters saying it has enhanced both the quantity and quality of their work. Overall usage of AI tools surged from 57% in 2024 to 84% in 2025, including specific use for research and publication tasks, which grew significantly to 62% from 45%.
However, while AI usage has surged dramatically, researchers are significantly scaling back their expectations of what AI can currently do as they gain firsthand experience, moving beyond hype toward nuanced, evidence-based adoption. Last year, researchers believed AI already outperformed humans for over half of potential use cases presented. This year, that figure dropped to less than one-third.
"We're witnessing a profound maturation in how researchers approach AI as surging usage has caused them to recalibrate expectations dramatically," said Jay Flynn, Wiley EVP & General Manager, Research & Learning. "Wiley is committed to giving researchers what they need most right now: clear guidance and purpose-built tools that help them use AI with confidence and impact."
Adoption Grows Alongside Informed Caution
Increased hands-on experience has bred more informed caution among researchers, with concerns about potential inaccuracies and hallucinations rising significantly from 51% to 64%. Privacy and security concerns have similarly intensified, climbing from 47% to 58%. This evolution reflects a maturing research community moving beyond initial enthusiasm toward a more nuanced understanding of present limits and future potential.
Accessibility Presents a Challenge
Researchers are more likely to rely on general-purpose AI tools rather than specialized ones for science and research, with 80% using mainstream tools like ChatGPT compared to just 25% using AI research assistants. The root of this disparity lies partially in awareness, with only 11% of researchers on average having heard of the specialized research tools surveyed. Most researchers (70%) are using a freely accessible tool, even if they are among the nearly half (48%) who also have access to a paid solution. This suggests that many researchers are employing a patchwork of solutions to try to meet their needs.
Corporate Researchers have Unique Advantages
Researchers in the corporate sector emerge as confident AI users with fewer barriers to successful implementation of AI in their work. They benefit from greater access to AI technology, with 58% reporting that their organization provides AI tools compared to just 40% across all sectors. They are also less hindered by a lack of guidelines and training, with 44% citing this as an obstacle to greater AI use, compared to 57% of all respondents.
Corporate researchers are also more likely to see AI technology as highly capable: they think AI currently outperforms humans for half (50%) of all use cases, significantly more than the average (AI outperforms in 30% of use cases).
Taken together, these findings suggest that higher levels of access and organizational support around AI can help researchers move beyond cautious experimentation toward the productive integration of AI into their work.
The Guidance Gap Persists
The study reveals a significant disconnect between researcher needs and institutional support, with only 41% feeling that their organization offers adequate support. To help fill this gap, most researchers (73%) are looking to publishers to provide clear guidelines and help them avoid pitfalls. More than half of researchers (57%) cite lack of guidelines and training as a primary barrier to expanded AI adoption.
Wiley continues to support researchers as they navigate the evolving AI landscape by delivering guidance to authors, ensuring AI developers have access to high-quality content, and partnering to develop responsible AI applications that support transformative research outcomes.
Survey Methodology
New ExplanAItions data comprises views from 2,430 researchers surveyed in August 2025. This new report builds on the methodology established in the original ExplanAItions study (published in February 2025, with data from April and August 2024). This initiative aims to track perception and use of AI among researchers year-over-year, presenting a global analysis.
An initial set of findings is available now via the Wiley website, with the full findings to be released at the end of October. To receive the full study insights right to your inbox once available, sign up here.
About Wiley
Wiley (NYSE:WLY) is a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for the advancement of scientific discovery, innovation, and learning. With more than 200 years at the center of the scholarly ecosystem, Wiley combines trusted publishing heritage with AI-powered platforms to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and applied. From individual researchers and students to Fortune 500 R&D teams, Wiley enables the transformation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. From knowledge to impact—Wiley is redefining what's possible in science and learning. Visit us at Wiley.com and Investors.Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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