Are Bryologists at Risk Due to AI?

All biological scientists not listed separately.

The occupation "Biological Scientists, All Other" has a base automation risk of 0.0%. This extremely low risk is primarily because the role encompasses highly specialized and dynamic scientific tasks that are resistant to standardization and full automation. Biological scientists often engage in innovative research activities, experimental design, and critical problem-solving, which require extensive domain knowledge, creative thinking, and adaptability—traits that current AI and robotics struggle to replicate. Many responsibilities within this occupation are project-specific and involve nuanced decision-making influenced by complex biological variables, making it unlikely that algorithms or machines can fully substitute human expertise. Despite the overall low risk, some of the most automatable tasks within this field typically involve routine or repetitive components of the job. The top three most automatable tasks are: (1) preliminary data collection and basic processing (such as running standardized assays or managing lab equipment), (2) data entry and organization (compiling field or experimental results into databases), and (3) performing routine statistical analyses with pre-programmed software. While automation can enhance efficiency in handling these tasks, they comprise only a minor part of a biological scientist’s responsibilities and still often require human supervision to ensure data quality and interpret unusual outcomes. In contrast, the top three most automation-resistant tasks are: (1) developing novel research methodologies and experimental designs, (2) synthesizing and interpreting complex biological data to draw meaningful, context-specific conclusions, and (3) communicating research findings through scientific publications, presentations, and peer collaboration. These duties hinge on bottleneck skills such as advanced critical thinking (level: expert), experimental innovation (level: expert), and high-level scientific communication (level: advanced). The need for nuanced judgment and the ability to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge ensures that human biological scientists remain essential to the field, placing strong limitations on the scope for automation.