The AI Revolution: Benefit or Burden?
7 July 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of scientific research, and its role continues to grow. This edition of the magazine Onderzoek examines how researchers are applying AI, the rules shaping its use, and the challenges posed by reliance on major US tech companies providing these AI tools.
Companies like Google and Microsoft have become central to education and research, often challenging scientific values such as reliability, transparency, and security. Dependence on these corporations is increasing. As José van Dijck, professor of Media and Digital Society, points out, “ChatGPT and Copilot are built into products we use every day. You have less and less choice not to use them.”
Addressing Dependence on American Tech
How are scientists responding to this growing dependence? Efforts are underway across the Netherlands to develop AI alternatives that promote digital sovereignty and sustainability. Initiatives range from GPT-NL, a local language model, to neuromorphic chips designed to offer new computing approaches.
Maintaining Human Control
With the rise of AI-generated papers and AI-driven experiments, researchers sometimes find themselves sidelined. How can human insight remain central to science? Catholijn Jonker, professor of Interactive Intelligence, advocates for hybrid intelligence—collaborations where humans and machines work together. She stresses that scientific reasoning must stay a human endeavor.
AI’s Role in Large-Scale Research
When applied responsibly, AI can accelerate and deepen scientific inquiry. It enables studies on a scale previously impossible. Examples include:
- Investigations into microorganisms affecting potatoes
- Analysis of handwritten historical documents
- Research on cyclist safety in the Netherlands
These projects demonstrate AI’s potential to expand research horizons.
Read the Magazine
The latest issue of NWO's magazine Onderzoek is now available online. It explores how scientists are using AI, managing their reliance on American tech companies, and highlights Dutch AI alternatives.
Read the entire magazine ‘The AI revolution: benefit or burden?’
Ensuring Responsible AI in Research
This issue also raises key questions: How can AI be applied in research in ways that are explainable, responsible, and sustainable? Is the rise of AI a positive development, or does it bring cause for concern? These topics are central to ongoing discussions in the scientific community.
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