In late 2024, Elsevier hosted a webinar called “Navigating the Future: Responsible GenAI in Aerospace Science” with astronaut and science communicator Katya Echazarreta. A participant in five NASA missions and the first Mexican woman in space, Echazarreta shared her experience using Scopus AI, an artificial intelligence tool developed by Elsevier that supports literature reviews, the construction of theoretical frameworks, and access to verified information.
“With so many AI tools out there, we’ve gotten used to not noticing many differences between them,” Echazarreta said during the webinar. “But what surprised me about Scopus AI was that, besides providing completely accurate information, it told me exactly where that information came from.”
“Fun facts about the moon” was the first query Echazarreta entered into Scopus AI. Within seconds, she received basic information accompanied by citations that led her to explore more complex topics like lunar geology and surface radiation.
In my work, we need real, verified answers because we build things with real-world consequences. That’s why I look for evidence-based information. Scopus AI doesn’t just give me information — it shows me where it comes from, citing multiple sources I can access, verify and explore.
“In my work, we need real, verified answers because we build things with real-world consequences. That’s why I look for evidence-based information. Scopus AI doesn’t just give me information — it shows me where it comes from, citing multiple sources I can access, verify and explore. I was completely convinced,” she explained.
Echazarreta also highlighted how easily Scopus AI connects topics and identifies articles’ authors, which helped her dive deeper into their work or even reach out with questions.
“When we’re researching topics we don’t have expertise in, that’s when we need to trust the information the most. Being able to say, ‘Wait a second, I was looking into this, but I found something I don’t recognize — maybe I should explore that too’ is incredibly helpful,” she added.
During the webinar, Echazarreta also emphasized how helpful Scopus AI is in her daily routine, especially if she needs to check facts moments before a presentation or event. Based on her experience, what sets Scopus AI apart from other AI platforms is not only its ability to generate summaries, but also its speed in providing access to full-text articles.
“It’s extremely useful to be able to read a full research article without having to sift through dozens of pages,” she said.
“In space missions, the amount of data transmitted is overwhelming,” Echazarreta explained during the webinar. That’s why AI has changed the way she approaches research and information gathering. “If we can develop more advanced algorithms, filter out less relevant data, and focus on what matters, we’ll be able to inform the public much faster.”
Her experience with Scopus AI demonstrates how AI is transforming research, making it more accessible and accurate for users. Still, she emphasized the importance of using AI ethically, acknowledging its limitations and recognizing that we can’t rely on it entirely.
The webinar concluded with a recommendation from Echazarreta to the academic community: Provide feedback on AI models. She also encouraged professors and students to learn how to use this technology and to reflect on what ethical use means for each person involved.
