How much of SNSF-funded research is related to artificial intelligence?
SNSF-funded research related to AI increased significantly between 2011 and 2024. By applying an approach using key terms to identify AI-related grants, we could illustrate the methods preferred by the different research domains.
It comes as no surprise that AI-related research has increased across the board. Headlines today would lead one to believe that almost all projects involve AI. The reality is more nuanced. To put things in perspective, this story first defines what is meant by AI-related research before quantifying the extent of its usage in grants awarded by the SNSF over the last 14 years.
While the development of AI is typically attributed to disciplines in the mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and technology (MINT) domain, studies report a widespread adoption of AI methods across all scientific disciplines. This has furthermore motivated investigations into the societal impact of AI. The second half of the story breaks down the different applications of AI preferred by the three research domains based on the most repeated key terms over time.