PERCEPTIONS AND OPINIONS ON THE INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN RESEARCH AND ACADEMICS: BASIS FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT

This study investigated the perceptions and opinions on the integration of artificial intelligence (ai) in research and academics: basis for policy development. A descriptive survey was employed to collect data from 210 respondents. Findings revealed a generally positive outlook on AI's potential to enhance research efficiency and effectiveness. However, concerns about data privacy, ethical implications, and the need for adequate training were identified. Key findings include the perceived benefits of AI in data analysis, decision-making, and research dissemination. Beyond institutional impact, the study highlights how AI integration can advance the local community by fostering greater access to innovative research outputs and educational resources. This outreach is expected to benefit local stakeholders, particularly through collaborative projects that address community-specific challenges. The study provides a foundation for crafting policies and guidelines to effectively integrate AI into research and academic practices while mitigating potential risks. Recommendations include developing a comprehensive AI integration framework, investing in faculty development, establishing an ethics committee, and allocating necessary resources to ensure AI-driven advancements contribute positively to both academic and community development.