cs.IRJun 8, 2026

Report on CHIIR 2026 Workshop on Generative AI and Academic Search (GAI&AS)

Authors: Yifan LiuJaime ArguelloOrland HoeberChang LiuSoo Young RiehLuanne SinnamonDean AlvarezSusan Archambault+25 more

Organizations: Klara · University of British Columbia · Canada · University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · USA · University of Regina · Peking University · China · University of Texas at Austin · Canada[cs.IR] · Affiliation not shown for all authors due to space limitations (see Appendix A for details).

Abstract

This report summarizes the CHIIR 2026 Workshop on Generative AI and Academic Search (GAI&AS), which examined how GenAI is reshaping academic search systems and research practices. The workshop brought together researchers in human information interaction and information retrieval to explore key challenges and opportunities in designing and evaluating future academic search systems that integrate GenAI, moving beyond traditional document retrieval to support summarization, recommendation, synthesis, and conversational interaction. Participants' interests and discussions focused on three thematic clusters: foundations and principles, applications and opportunities, and search-as-learning. Across these themes, the workshop highlighted the importance of academic search systems in supporting transparency, credibility, research integrity, and long-term scholarly needs, as well as in fostering higher-order cognitive processes. Participants discussed guiding theories, design principles, methodological approaches, partnerships, and community-building efforts aimed at advancing human-centered GenAI-enhanced academic search systems. Overall, the workshop demonstrated strong community interest and a diverse range of ongoing and emerging research initiatives at the intersection of GenAI and academic search.

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