(Yicai) Dec. 9 -- Chinese scientists lead in both confidence and effective use of artificial intelligence in their work compared with their peers in other countries, according to a new research report.

Scientists in China widely acknowledge the efficiency and innovative potential of AI and anticipate its deeper use in their work in future, per the joint report by Dutch scientific and medical publisher Elsevier and the Chinese Association of Science of Science and Science & Technology Policy Research.

The report, based on survey findings from more than 3,200 researchers in 113 countries, found that 68 percent of Chinese respondents believe AI tools give them more choices, compared with only 29 percent in the United States and 26 percent in the United Kingdom.

When asked if AI can empower scientific research, 64 percent of Chinese respondents agreed, while the figures in the US and the UK were only 25 percent and 24 percent, respectively.

Asked whether AI can effectively save time on research, 79 percent of Chinese respondents agreed, versus 54 percent in the US and 57 percent in the UK. Additionally, 60 percent recognize that AI can enhance research quality, while only 22 percent of US and 17 percent of UK respondents agreed.

Furthermore, 49 percent of Chinese researchers believe AI can accelerate scientific discoveries, as opposed to 30 percent in the US and 26 percent in the UK.

Another key finding is that Chinese scientists have a strong pragmatic attitude toward the use of AI, and place greater emphasis on the practical applications and social impact of their work.

The data showed that 58 percent of researchers worldwide are now using AI tools in their work, up from 37 percent last year, and Chinese scientists stand out for both the depth and effectiveness of AI application in areas such as data analysis and the writing of academic papers and project proposals.

The report also pointed to common challenges in the global research sector, with only 45 percent of respondents saying they are given enough time for research. Also, just 33 percent expect an increase in funding for their field in the next two to three years, with particularly pronounced pessimism among researchers in North America and Europe.

In addition, 68 percent said that the pressure to publish has soared compared with two to three years ago. But the overall commitment to research quality remains strong, with 74 percent acknowledging the value of peer review as an important way to ensure research integrity.

Editor: Tom Litting