Research Integrity In The Era Of AI: Virtual Panel in Collaboration with the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Artificial intelligence is transforming how knowledge is created, evaluated, shared, and applied across academia, industry, government, and beyond. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in research and innovation ecosystems, now more than ever important questions are emerging around transparency, accountability, intellectual property, governance, and public trust. To explore these opportunities and challenges, MDPI is pleased to participate in Research Integrity In The Era Of AI, a virtual panel hosted in collaboration with the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) on June 17, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM EDT. Moderated by Dr. Barnaby Crook, Regional Engagement Editor at MDPI, the discussion will bring together experts in AI from research, technology, libraries, policy, and scholarly communications backgrounds to examine how AI is reshaping the research landscape and what safeguards are needed to ensure its responsible use.
This timely discussion will address topics ranging from open science and AI governance to ethical considerations, equitable access to knowledge, and the evolving roles of institutions across the research ecosystem. Researchers, policymakers, librarians, publishers, innovators, and all others utilizing artificial intelligence are encouraged to attend and engage in a forward-looking conversation on AI’s everchanging role in research integrity while mitigating emerging risks.
Event Details
Date and Time (local time) | 17 June 2026 11:00–12:30 EDT, 17 June 2026 |
Online/Offline | Online |
Venue | Zoom |
Registration | |
Institution | Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) |
Event Schedule
Panelists | Program and content | Time |
Dr. Barnaby Crook | Introduction | 11:00-11:05 |
All Panelists | Opening Reflections & Statements | 11:05-11:20 |
All Panelists | Moderated Panel Discussion | 11:20-12:10 |
All Panelists | Q&A | 12:10-12:25 |
Dr. Crook | Closing Statements | 12:25-12:30 |
Moderator & Panelist:
Dr. Barnaby Crook – Regional Engagement Editor, MDPI
 | Dr. Barnaby Crook completed an MA in philosophy and neuroscience at the Humboldt University of Berlin in 2021 and a PhD in the philosophy of artificial intelligence at the University of Bayreuth in 2025. After moving from Germany to Toronto, Dr. Crook began working for MDPI as an Assistant Editor with the journal IJERPH. He now works as a Regional Engagement Editor for North America. In this role, Dr. Crook builds and maintains relationships with academic stakeholders, fostering collaboration and developing partnerships. He is passionate about scientific communication and research integrity. |
Panelist:
Dr. Enric Sayas – AI Product Owner, MDPI
 | With a PhD in Molecular Biology, I bridge the gap between complex scientific research and cutting-edge technology. Currently, I serve as an AI Product Owner at MDPI, where I specialize in integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into the scientific publishing industry. My work focuses on developing data-driven solutions that enhance editorial workflows, optimize peer review processes, and strengthen research integrity. I am deeply committed to the principles of Open Science, leveraging AI-powered tools to make scientific discovery more transparent, efficient, and accessible. By transforming internal tools into high-precision, commercial-grade platforms, I aim to foster a more open and trustworthy research ecosystem that accelerates global innovation. |
Panelist:
Mehnaz Tabassum – Co-founder & CEO @ NL Eats | Building the Future of Food Systems | AI Educator & Strategy Partner
 | Mehnaz Tabassum is a true embodiment of multipotentiality, bringing together leadership across entrepreneurship, technology, investment, community impact, innovation, and public service. With more than 10 years of professional experience and as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Mehnaz possesses a unique combination of business acumen, systems thinking, and social impact leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Certificate in Public Policy from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Today, Mehnaz is the CEO of FOOD FORWARD, a national platform and ecosystem initiative bringing together leaders across food systems, agriculture, aquaculture, technology, investment, policy, and sustainability to accelerate innovation and shape the future of food. She is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of NL Eats Community Outreach Inc., Founder and CEO of CogniCo AI Consulting, and previously served as a Senior IT Manager with the Government of Canada, where she was among the youngest professionals to hold leadership roles of this nature. |
Panelist:
Dr. Aneliia (Annie) Chatterjee – Open Access and Scholarly Communications, New Jersey Institute of Technology
 | Dr. Aneliia (Annie) Chatterjee is the Open Access and Scholarly Communications Librarian at NJIT University Libraries. She works with faculty, researchers, and students on open scholarship initiatives, with expertise in scholarly communication, open access, institutional repositories, research visibility and impact, research data management, open access policy, and the development of open access agreement evaluation rubrics. Her work also explores the use of AI in libraries and strategies that support research dissemination and impact. Prior to NJIT, Dr. Chatterjee held leadership positions in academic libraries and worked in corporate research in New York. She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Rowan University, along with Master’s degrees in Library and Information Science from Pratt Institute and Sofia University. Her research interests include transformative learning, open access, and the evolving role of libraries in higher education. |
Register for free and join us next week to understand how AI is changing the way research is trusted, assessed, and used — and what this means for the integrity of scholarly communication moving forward!
If you have any questions, or if you’re unable to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’d be glad to connect: https://www.mdpi.com/about/contact
