On 26 January 2026, Prof. Dr. Nosheen Fatima Warraich (Lahore/Pakistan) gave her Fellow Lecture on the topic of “Ethical and Responsible Use of AI in Research and Information Science”.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how research is conducted, data are managed, and knowledge is shared. While its potential to boost efficiency and innovation is clear, it also raises crucial ethical questions that researchers and information professionals must thoughtfully address. The lecture examined what responsible AI use means in research and information science, emphasizing fairness, transparency, and accountability at every stage. It discussed how AI tools influence data collection, organization, discovery, and decision-making, as well as the risks they bring—such as bias, misinformation, privacy concerns, and the loss of human judgment. By reflecting on real-world examples, the lecture showed how to identify and address these ethical challenges while making the most of AI’s capabilities. The lecture also highlighted key frameworks and global efforts that encourage ethical AI practices in academic and professional settings. It emphasized the evolving role of librarians, researchers, and information managers as critical thinkers and ethical leaders in this AI-driven landscape. By the end of the lecture, there was a clearer understanding of how to apply ethical principles in practical contexts, ensuring that the use of AI supports human values, inclusivity, and trust in research and information systems. The goal is to move beyond the excitement of technological advancement and focus on building a responsible, human-centered approach to AI in these fields.

Prof. Dr. Nosheen Fatima Warraich is Full Professor in the Department of Information Management at the University of the Punjab in Lahore (Pakistan). She specializes in fields of information management, human information behaviour, and AI applications in knowledge systems.