This is the first installment in a new blog series from the IFPRI-led initiative AI For Food Systems Research. A related webinar series will begin with a June 5 genAI skills workshop for researchers. Amid the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agricultural research, policy, and extension, this project brings together researchers and practitioners across CGIAR and its partners to explore how AI tools can be designed, applied and governed responsibly in food systems research and innovation.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI)—and more recently, the expanding availability and growing public use of generative AI (genAI)—has sparked interest across scientific and policy communities. GenAI refers to a class of models that generate text, images, code, and other content by identifying patterns in vast datasets. These tools allow users to interact with AI systems through everyday language, making advanced technologies more accessible and easier to experiment with. Since the public release of ChatGPT in 2022, genAI has evolved rapidly, opening new possibilities for research, communication, and innovation.