Clarivate launches AI-powered Web of Science Research Assistant to enhance academic research

Clarivate Plc, a prominent provider of analytics and insights, has unveiled the Web of Science Research Assistant, a state-of-the-art AI-powered tool designed to aid researchers in managing complex research tasks and uncovering essential papers more swiftly. The announcement was made on 4th September 2024, in London, with the aim of facilitating connections within the expansive Web of Science database, which houses 120 years’ worth of publication and citation data.

The newly launched tool promises to enhance the research process through its ability to perform natural language searches across multiple languages, offer guided prompts for research tasks, and provide unique data visualisations like trend graphs and topic maps. These features are intended to simplify the complexities often involved in academic research by enabling users to discover nuanced insights and develop a thorough understanding of various topics.

Emmanuel Thiveaud, Clarivate’s Senior Vice President of Research and Analytics for Academia & Government, remarked that the Web of Science Research Assistant is designed to enrich the research experience by not just improving content discovery but also aiding in decision-making and skill development.

The tool was developed in partnership with global researchers and librarians, receiving significant input and testing since December 2023 to ensure its quality, accuracy, and adherence to privacy standards. One such partner, the National Cheng Kung University Library, praised the database’s credibility and expressed enthusiasm for promoting the new assistant amongst its researchers.

The Web of Science Research Assistant is part of Clarivate’s broader strategy to implement AI tools responsibly, bolstered by the creation of the AI Academic Advisory Council. This initiative aims to promote diverse contributions to the ethical development of AI technologies within academia.

Clarivate’s approach reflects an industry-wide movement towards integrating AI into research tools, promising to transform how academics interact with vast databases of literature and streamline the research process. These innovations come amidst growing interest and debate over the role AI plays in academic settings, highlighting the need for careful development and application to ensure trustworthy outcomes.

The new tool represents Clarivate’s ongoing commitment to providing transformative analytics solutions, positioning itself at the forefront of responsible AI development within the research community.

Source: Noah Wire Services