Meta-research on Artificial Intelligence in research practices: exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence in scientific research

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, and its presence is increasingly visible across many domains of society. From generative systems capable of producing text, images, and code, these developments are reshaping how new knowledge is produced, communicated, and evaluated. Within the context of scientific research, AI tools are no longer limited to peripheral support tasks; instead, they are becoming integral to workflows related to literature search, data processing, analysis, writing, and even peer review. While these technologies offer opportunities such as enhanced efficiency and accessibility, they also raise critical questions about transparency, bias, and academic integrity. Within this context, the Meta-Research Conference 2025 (MERE 2025) brings together contributions that examine how AI influences research workflows at present. The papers presented in this volume explore both the potential and the limitations of AIsupported research, addressing questions such as how AI tools reshape information seeking and analytical practices, as well as what methodological challenges and biases emerge when AI systems are integrated into research. The MERE Conference is an academic initiative of the Research Methods course in the Master’s programs at the Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra. As part of the Meta-Research Project, students engage in the full research cycle, from formulating research questions to data collection and analysis, interpretation, and academic writing. This proceedings volume includes a collection of manuscripts whose authors have agreed to share their work and findings. We are pleased to present these contributions and acknowledge the effort, curiosity, and critical engagement of the students involved.