Generative artificial intelligence (AI) models, such as ChatGPT, are revolutionizing the way we approach chemistry and other sciences. Chemists and chemistry professors are questioning whether these AI models will make them redundant or fundamentally change their roles.
Part of a chemistry professor’s job is to impart knowledge to students. However, with the emergence of AI models like ChatGPT, some Twitter pundits are declaring that this aspect of their job is already obsolete. Nonetheless, the problem with this notion is the inability of AI models to replace the unique experiences and perspectives of human teachers. Chemistry professors bring their knowledge and hands-on experience to the table that AI models simply cannot replicate.
ChatGPT is a natural language processing (NLP) model that is capable of answering questions, analyzing data, and keeping students and chemists up-to-date on the latest findings in their field. However, it cannot replace human creativity or ingenuity. ChatGPT may be able to teach itself advanced chemistry, but it is built upon what humans have already discovered and cannot explore beyond that.
Chemists and chemistry professors will still play a critical role in the field of chemistry. They will continue to lead research, problem-solve, and innovate, while AI models like ChatGPT will assist in the process. The two will work together to improve science and chemistry education with easier access to data, more efficient data processing, and better information sharing.
In conclusion, the emerging technology of AI models and NLP like ChatGPT should be seen as counterparts to human chemists and chemistry professors, rather than a replacement for them. The combination of human and AI intelligence will expand the boundaries of knowledge in chemistry and other scientific fields, solving problems that were once too complex for human ingenuity alone to address.
