A UNIVERSAL COMPETENCY MATRIX FOR THE RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RESEARCH ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF OPEN SCIENCE “U-MARC4OSAI”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62405/osiconf.2026.24Keywords:
artificial intelligence; researcher competencies; open science; research integrity; universal matrix; U-MARC4OSAI.Abstract
The study aims to provide a theoretical foundation for and develop a universal competency matrix for the responsible use of artificial intelligence across all stages of research activities within the context of Open Science. The methodology is based on qualitative content analysis, the constant comparative method, hierarchical-faceted synthesis, and conceptual synthesis. A total of 384 competency components were initially extracted from 11 key regulatory and scientific sources and systematised. The resulting competency structure was functionally and structurally mapped against the five stages, 21 categories, and 143 competency indicators of research activities within the context of Open Science represented in the Universal Matrix “U-MARC4OS”. As a result, a two-level competency structure of the Universal Matrix “U-MARC4OSAI” was developed, comprising nine functional categories and 37 competencies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The matrix integrates the practical use of artificial intelligence with competencies related to the use and verification of artificial intelligence-generated outputs, data protection, academic integrity, personal responsibility, documentation and reproducibility, and the assessment of the societal, ethical, and environmental implications of its use in research. The proposed matrix provides a conceptual foundation for developing researcher training programmes and competency assessment tools, expert review and empirical validation, with subsequent adaptation to institutional and disciplinary contexts.
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