The reality, however, is that AI is at its most powerful when it's used in conjunction with human expertise, and not in competition with it. Just as automation in previous scientific eras enhanced the role of researchers rather than eliminating it, AI too should be viewed as an amplifier of human creativity, precision, and productivity.
The way forward is education and empowerment. By demystifying AI, we can help researchers reclaim their agency. Scientists must be equipped not only with tools, but with literacy: understanding what kinds of questions AI can answer, where it fails and how it can be improved. Rather than threatening the researcher's role, AI should be seen as a means to free their time to focus on deeper investigation and innovation. By embracing AI as a tool for discovery rather than a threat, we can create a culture where technological fluency becomes part of scientific excellence.