By ICG member Arthur Fletcher
A huge thank you to all the members who joined our AI Discovery Session last week – one of the biggest turnouts we’ve had for a while. Clearly AI is on everyone’s mind, whether you’re already experimenting with it, quietly curious or still wondering what all the fuss is about.
The aim of the session wasn’t to convert anyone or declare AI ‘the future’, it was simply to understand where members are right now, find out what they want to know and see what the ICG can do to support members as AI becomes more visible in our day-to-day work.
What’s worrying people?
Many of you said you feel overwhelmed by the speed of change. With dozens of tools appearing almost weekly, it’s hard to know where to start and establish which ones are safe, reliable and genuinely useful. Qual researchers in particular voiced concerns about the use of AI in their work and consequently losing nuance, accuracy or even the essence of respondent voices.
Several members raised the big ethical questions:
What can we (safely and securely) upload to AI tools? What are the ramifications for GDPR compliance? What are the MRS doing about it?
The lack of clear, independent-friendly guidance is leaving many unsure about how to use AI responsibly.
And of course, there’s the commercial angle. Some members have already had clients asking whether AI is being used and if that means research should be cheaper.
What do members want?
If there was one theme that ran through the whole discussion, it was confidence. Members want:
- Plain-English explanations of what AI can and can’t do
- Practical examples of how AI fits into real research workflows
- Help evaluating tools without wasting hours testing everything
- Clear guidance on ethics, GDPR and professional standards
- Advice on how to talk to clients about AI without undermining expertise
- Case studies – good ones and bad ones – to learn from
In short: people want support, not hype.
What’s the role for the ICG (and MRS)?
There was strong appetite for the ICG to take a leadership role in helping members navigate AI safely and confidently. Suggestions included:
- Clear guidelines on ethical and responsible AI use
- Templates for disclosure statements and data protection
- Training sessions at all levels
- A shared resource hub with prompts, examples and tool reviews
- Drop-in ‘AI surgeries’ for questions and troubleshooting
- Regular updates on new developments
- Collaboration with MRS to ensure consistency on standards
Although the ICG should work in the interests of members, it’s the MRS who should carry the flag for the MR industry and determine guidelines, best practice and ethical use.
What happens next?
Based on your feedback we’re now shaping the remit of a new ICG AI Working Group. It will bring together enthusiasts, cautious explorers and sceptics alike – because the group will only work if every viewpoint is represented.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed so openly and honestly. Your insights have set a clear direction for what the ICG should do next. Watch this space for details on how to get involved, upcoming activities and opportunities to help shape the guidance we develop together. If you haven’t already volunteered to help, please contact Lucie manager@theicg.co.uk