Preserving Rigour in Modern Science: Challenges and the Path Ahead in the Age of AI

Today’s scientific landscape is fast-paced, highly competitive, and increasingly demanding. Researchers are expected to balance teaching, supervision, grant writing, publications, and administrative responsibilities while staying current in their fields. Amidst these pressures, early-career researchers, students, and junior academics in particular, carry out much of the groundwork in research, including study design, data collection, laboratory evaluations, analysis, and drafting. Their work forms the foundation of new scientific knowledge. However, this work requires critical review and guidance by senior academics to ensure accuracy, robustness, and meaningful contribution.