OpenAI is expanding its efforts to support scientific research by offering free access to its advanced AI models to researchers at selected academic institutions. The initiative, called ChatGPT for Academic Researchers, aims to equip scientists, mathematicians, and engineers with powerful tools to accelerate discovery and improve productivity across various fields. The program will initially provide access to 10,000 researchers this summer, with plans to scale to 100,000 by 2027. Access will be available at institutions such as the Institute for Advanced Study and École normale supérieure. Researchers will have access to models like GPT-5.6 Sol Pro and can invite up to four collaborators from their institution. Workspaces include business-grade privacy and security protections, and data is not used to train models by default. Researchers can use tools to support work ranging from genomic analysis and protein modeling to literature reviews, grant writing, and publishing. Source: openai
The program also includes training, hands-on support, and opportunities for researchers to learn from one another and share feedback. For institutions with ChatGPT Edu, free access will be coordinated through the institution's workspace. OpenAI’s initiative is part of a broader commitment of more than $250 million through 2027 to support external scientific research and discovery, including initiatives like NextGenAI and collaboration with the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission. Source: openai
Researchers are increasingly using AI tools like ChatGPT and Codex across nearly every stage of scientific work. ChatGPT helps researchers interrogate ideas, acquire knowledge, generate hypotheses, and communicate findings, while Codex supports research execution and formal analysis, including writing code and analyzing results. The shift is especially visible in mathematics, where AI has moved from occasional use to a more regular part of mathematical research. A growing number of papers now acknowledge ChatGPT’s contribution, reflecting how quickly researchers are adopting these tools. Source: openai
