Amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and innovation, Khon Kaen University (KKU), through its Center for the Oversight of Animal Use in Scientific Research, recognizes both the challenges and opportunities that accompany these technological advancements. In response, the center has organized a seminar titled “Advancing the Role of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” aimed at preparing committees to elevate their oversight practices to new heights.
The seminar was held on June 12, 2025, at the Center for the Oversight of Animal Use in Scientific Research, located at the Institute for Research and Development in Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, and continued from June 16 to 17, 2025, at Chiva Khong Hotel in Nakhon Phanom Province.
The emergence of AI has introduced a significant turning point that challenges ethical review processes related to animal use in research. These include concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated data, the transparency of research proposals, and increasingly complex ethical responsibilities. Without timely adaptation and preparedness, oversight committees may risk undermining public trust and ethical standards in scientific research as a whole.
Professor Kanokwan Jarukamjorn, Chair of the IACUC and Director of the Oversight Center, emphasized the urgency of this mission. She stated,
“AI has permanently transformed the research landscape, presenting new challenges for the review and oversight of animal-based scientific research. This seminar serves as a foundational step in equipping KKU’s animal research oversight with up-to-date knowledge and critical thinking. The goal is to guide the use of AI in research in a creative, ethical, and responsible manner, ensuring that every step of the research process upholds ethical standards, transparency, and international credibility. This reflects KKU’s commitment to developing world-class research standards.”
The mission of the seminar was to translate this vision into meaningful action, with the goal of equipping committee members with a deep understanding of the impacts of AI on animal-related research proposals. The event also aimed to promote the use of AI innovations to improve operational effectiveness, while fostering the development of tools and evaluation frameworks that are transparent, rigorous, and efficient. Most importantly, the seminar provided a platform for integrating the collective experience and knowledge of committee members into best practices aligned with Khon Kaen University’s broader AI policies.
Key activities included a special lecture titled “Enhancing Committee Capacity through AI-Based Learning Systems,” delivered by Asst. Prof. Anucha Somabut, Assistant to the President for Education under the Division of Education and Digital Affairs. In addition, participants engaged in group discussions to review relevant ethical and legal frameworks and to evaluate draft regulations governing the ethical use of animals in scientific research at Khon Kaen University. These efforts are intended to ensure that KKU’s regulations remain current and responsive to emerging challenges.
