By Bella Ratmelia, Senior Librarian, Research & Data Services
As we wrap up 2025, it's clear that this year was defined by two major themes: the rapid maturation of AI in research workflows and the enduring value of community. From testing "Deep Research" agents to hosting focused writing sessions, SMU Libraries has been right there with you, filtering the signal from the noise.
Here are three highlights from our Research Radar in 2025.
1. The Year of "Deep Research" and AI Integration
If 2023 was about the debut of generative AI and 2024 saw the rise of 'Deep Search' tools, then 2025 was the year AI became embedded in the platforms we already use. From Scopus AI to Primo Research Assistant, familiar research tools gained sophisticated capabilities, moving beyond simple chatbots to agent-based systems that conduct iterative searches and generate research summaries.
We scrutinized and adopted tools that bring genuine value to your workflow, such as Scopus AI, Consensus Pro, Perplexity.ai, and Primo RA. We also explored the emerging landscape of "Deep Research" tools (not to be confused with Deep Search tools), helping you understand the trade-offs between speed and depth in AI-powered literature reviews.
We also shared tips for other research tasks such as generating visualizations or presentations to promote your work using the latest GenAI tools and leveraging the built-in AI tools in financial databases such as Crunchbase, Capital IQ, Bloomberg, and WIND.
2. Building Research Skills & Community
While tools are powerful, they are only as good as the strategy behind them, and the support network around you! This year, we focused on strengthening both your technical skills and your peer connections.
On the skills front, we published guides on testing your Boolean search strategies against "Gold Standard" papers, and in collaboration with SMU Researcher Club, we held panel discussions on taming information overload. From comparing Google Scholar against AI tools to refining search scopes, to sharing tricks to reduce bot responses in Qualtrics, provide IRB compliant speech to text capabilities, our focus remained on helping you be more effective and efficient at research. It is clear that at this juncture, AI is a great co-pilot, but critical evaluation and structured search methodologies remain the pilot's responsibility.
On the community front, our 9-week Shut Up and Write! pilot session brought researchers together for focused, distraction-free writing (and snacks!), proving that accountability and camaraderie are powerful productivity boosters. Research can be a solitary pursuit, but it doesn't have to be.
3. Opening Research to Wider Audience
2025 was a milestone year for expanding access to scholarship—both for sharing your work and for advancing global dialogue.
We continued to break down barriers for open access publishing. Starting in April this year, SMU authors have been able to publish open access in hybrid journals that are ranked A or A* in the publication outlet lists published by the Office of the Provost (in consultation with schools). with article processing charges (APCs) paid by SMU, making your research more widely available. Please check the details here.
Looking ahead, we proudly announced that FORCE2026, the premier international conference on scholarly communication, is coming to SMU. This marks the first time this event will be held in Asia, positioning SMU at the forefront of the global open science conversation.
Wishing You a Prosperous 2026
As we look forward to 2026, we are excited to host the global research community at FORCE2026 and to continue exploring the frontier of research support with you.
No matter where you are in your research journey (deep in data analysis or just starting your literature review), we wish you a productive, insightful, and prosperous year ahead!
