As we bid farewell to 2024, the artificial intelligence landscape is bracing for a significant leap forward. Large language models (LLMs) have been making waves in various fields, from psychology and neuroscience to brain-computer interfaces and assistive technology. In 2025, researchers will continue to explore new frontiers using LLMs as a tool for human behavior, cognition, and neuroscience.
One trend to watch is the increased evaluation of LLMs’ predictive capabilities compared to human experts in neuroscience. Last year’s landmark study published in Nature Human Behaviour demonstrated that LLMs outperformed human experts in determining neuroscience outcomes. This year, expect more research studies to follow suit, shedding light on the strengths and limitations of these models.
Another area of growth is the integration of LLMs into consumer-facing products, particularly in transportation. Conversational AI powered by LLMs will play a crucial role in guiding autonomous vehicles. For instance, Purdue University researchers developed a Talk2Drive framework that uses an LLM to interpret human voice commands and guide self-driving cars.
As LLMs become increasingly used as research tools, their potential applications will expand. Expect to see more scientists leveraging these models for tasks like information gathering, editing, formatting, grammar checking, and data analysis. A recent preprint by researchers at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence found that 80.9% of published authors listed on Semantic Scholar had used LLMs in one or more areas of their research.
The growing call for transparency and disclosure when using LLMs will also be a trend to watch in 2025. As researchers continue to rely on these models, it’s essential to understand how they work, their limitations, and the potential biases that may arise.
In summary, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for AI, with LLMs playing a pivotal role in various fields. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of these models, researchers can unlock new frontiers of discovery and innovation.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/the-future-brain/202501/large-language-models-2024-year-in-review-and-2025-trends