Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Chemical Research and Development: A Dual Advantage for Sustainability

Artificial intelligence can be a game changer to address the global challenge of humanity-threatening climate change by fostering sustainable development. Since chemical research and development lay the foundation for innovative products and solutions, this study presents a novel chemical research and development process backed with artificial intelligence and guiding ethical principles to account for both process- and outcome-related sustainability. Particularly in ethically salient contexts, ethical principles have to accompany research and development powered by artificial intelligence to promote social and environmental good and sustainability ( beneficence ) while preventing any harm ( non-maleficence ) for all stakeholders (i.e., companies, individuals, society at large) affected.