Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a tool for researchers in other science and technology fields, forging collaborations across disciplines. Stanford University in California, which produces an index that tracks AI-related data, finds in its 2021 report that the number of AI journal publications grew by 34.5% from 2019 to 2020; up from 19.6% between 2018 and 2019 (see go.nature.com/3mdt2yq). AI publications represented 3.8% of all peer-reviewed scientific publications worldwide in 2,019 up from 1.3% in 2011.

Five AI researchers describe the fruits of these collaborations, beyond journal publications, and talk about how they are helping to break down barriers between disciplines. across disciplines are growing, and artificial intelligence is helping to make joint working more effective.