The rise of large language models (LLMs) has led many researchers to consider their usage for scientific work. Some have found benefits using LLMs to augment or automate aspects of their research pipeline, while others have urged caution due to risks and ethical concerns. Yet little work has sought to quantify and characterize how researchers use LLMs and why. We present the first large-scale survey of 816 verified research article authors to understand how the research community leverages and perceives LLMs as research tools. We examine participants' self-reported LLM usage, finding that 81% of researchers have already incorporated LLMs into different aspects of their research workflow. We also find that traditionally disadvantaged groups in academia (non-White, junior, and non-native English speaking researchers) report higher LLM usage and perceived benefits, suggesting potential for improved research equity. However, women, non-binary, and senior researchers have greater ethical concerns, potentially hindering adoption.

翻译：随着大型语言模型（LLMs）的兴起，许多研究者开始考虑将其应用于科研工作。部分研究者发现利用LLMs增强或自动化研究流程中的某些环节具有益处，而另一些研究者则因风险与伦理问题呼吁保持谨慎。然而，目前鲜有研究尝试量化并刻画研究者如何使用LLMs及其背后的动因。本研究首次对816位已发表研究论文的作者开展大规模调查，以理解科研界如何利用并认知作为研究工具的LLMs。通过分析参与者自我报告的LLM使用情况，我们发现81%的研究者已将LLMs整合到其研究流程的不同环节。研究还发现，学术界的传统弱势群体（非白人、初级研究者及非英语母语研究者）呈现出更高的LLM使用率与感知效益，这暗示着改善科研公平性的潜在可能。然而，女性、非二元性别及资深研究者表现出更强的伦理担忧，这可能会阻碍相关技术的采纳。