Integrity-driven AI

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), a public liberal arts institution, is committed to equipping students and faculty with the tools needed to excel in research and learning. As part of this mission, the university has strategically embraced AI to enhance knowledge creation while prioritizing critical thinking, ethical use, and research integrity.

Guided by a dedicated task force that includes University Librarian Christopher Chan, HKBU sought AI-powered research tools that balance technological innovation with the development of strong research skills.

This led them to adopt Consensus, an AI research tool built exclusively on peer-reviewed literature. Its natural language search allows users to quickly find and interpret relevant academic studies, providing an intuitive entry point into research while complementing existing library resources.

Search results and filter panel with RCTs, Systematic Reviews, and sample size filters selected

Overwhelming research process for students

HKBU faced a significant challenge in supporting students at all levels in their research journey. First-year undergraduates, accustomed to the simplicity of Google, often found traditional library discovery services and databases overwhelming, leading some to rely on less credible sources. Meanwhile, PhD students faced the opposite challenge – navigating an overwhelming volume of academic literature and conducting exhaustive, systematic reviews.

Ensuring that all students, from beginners to advanced researchers, had the right tools to engage with credible scholarship was a key priority for the university.

“Students would try traditional academic databases but found them overwhelming. Many reverted to Google, settling for ‘good enough’ information rather than the best scholarly sources.”

Christopher Chan

University Librarian, HKBU

Research made accessible

To bridge this gap, HKBU adopted Consensus as a research tool that supports students at all levels by simplifying access to credible academic literature. For first-year undergraduates, its natural language search and clear, evidence-based summaries make it easier to identify and engage with scholarly sources without the intimidation of complex databases.

For PhD students, Consensus helps cut through the noise—quickly surfacing relevant, peer-reviewed studies and providing targeted, evidence-based answers to research questions. Its advanced filters, including study design, sample size, and methodology, allow students to narrow their focus and save time, making it a powerful starting point for literature reviews.

With Consensus, HKBU empowers students to navigate the complexities of academic research with greater confidence and efficiency.

Key features driving adoption at HKBU

To ensure AI enhances research integrity and supports information literacy, HKBU adopted Consensus for its user-friendly interface, research transparency, and academic rigor. These key features made Consensus stand out: