By 2050, superintelligent artificial intelligence may conduct the majority of scientific research, according to futurologist Nick Bostrom. Bostrom stated in an email that while humans might still engage in scientific pursuits as a hobby, their contributions would likely be insignificant compared to AI.

Nature, a scientific journal with a 150-year history, has consistently explored future scientific advancements through forecasts and projections. At the turn of the 21st century, the journal published supplements dedicated to predicting future scientific developments. Philip Campbell, then-editor of Nature, boldly predicted the discovery of life based on something other than DNA by 2100.

Predictions about the future, while often inaccurate, can be insightful. The potential dominance of AI in scientific research raises questions about the future role of human scientists and the direction of scientific progress. The shift could significantly impact various industries, potentially accelerating discovery and innovation across fields like medicine, materials science, and energy.