In an era defined by the exponential growth of information, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way evidence is generated, synthesised, and applied to real-world decisions. The use of AI in evidence synthesis offers opportunities for faster and cheaper production, more contextualised uses, and reducing the lag between discovery and decision. From automating literature screening to mapping complex evidence landscapes, AI tools can accelerate the connection between science and action.
The Alive Learning Forum provides an open, collaborative space to explore these and other topics. Hosted by the Alliance for Living Evidence (Alive), this community convenes researchers, decision-makers, funders, and practitioners to reflect on innovations and challenges in sustaining living evidence systems. Its sessions are designed not only to share tools and methods, but also to cultivate a culture of learning-by-doing—where collective reflection drives real-world impact.
This November, the Alive Learning Forum was about enablers for living evidence, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence. The session, chaired by one of our Forum co-chairs, Racha Fadlallah, had three speakers: Myself, leading the Alive’s Climate Evidence Partnerships, bringing to the discussion practical perspectives from the environmental domain. I introduced the DESTINY project and how Alive and its partners are applying living evidence approaches to tackle the climate crisis, connecting research outputs with the urgent needs of decision-makers and communities powered by digital evidence synthesis tools. My presentation was followed by Dr Jan Minx, Head of the Evidence for Climate Solutions Working Group at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), who expanded on the work of the DESTINY project, a groundbreaking initiative exploring how methodological and AI innovations can sustain living evidence at scale. Jan provided an overview of the DESTINY climate and health repository and global research map, discussing how AI tools were being developed and applied to enhance it. Finally, Dr Thiago Rocha from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) offered a reflection on critical areas where PAHO uses AI to understand and assess clinical trials and their uses in producing guidelines and recommendations. Drawing on his extensive experience in data science and policy assessment, Dr Rocha highlighted emerging AI tools and use cases in public health—demonstrating how machine learning, geospatial analytics, and automated workflows can transform the way evidence is identified, curated, and communicated.
The presentations were followed by a rich panel discussion about the potential of AI as a catalyst for more agile, transparent, and sustainable evidence systems, as well as the conditions required to realise that potential responsibly. Among the key takeaways was a shared understanding that successful AI adoption hinges on the right enablers: data quality and accessibility, open infrastructure, shared standards, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning. Participants reflected on the importance of governance frameworks that ensure ethical use of AI, especially in global contexts where resource disparities can amplify inequities. They also recognised that the integration of AI into evidence synthesis is not a one-time upgrade, but an evolving process where collective intelligence grows through iteration, reflection, and openness.
As the Alive Learning Forum continues to convene voices across different sectors and regions, the conversation about AI and living evidence is just starting. Future sessions of this Learning Forum will continue to unpack the enablers that sustain living evidence ecosystems, exploring a big variety of topics. The Alive Learning Forum and its partners invite members of the Africa Evidence Network and the wider community to join upcoming events by visiting its website here.
About the author: Maria Pontes is the Head of Climate Evidence Partnerships at the Alliance for Living Evidence (Alive). With over a decade of experience in environmental science, policy, and community organising, Maria drives partnerships and initiatives addressing climate challenges globally. Her work spans multiple regions, including Mexico and Liberia, where she collaborates with local partners to enhance services and promote climate action. Maria’s passion lies in ensuring that evidence is actionable and responds to the needs of decision-makers, ultimately driving positive change. At Alive, Maria brings together policy-makers, funders, researchers, and organisations to tackle the climate crisis through high-quality, timely, and relevant evidence. Her expertise in harnessing evidence to inform climate action has made her a key player in the field of climate action.
Acknowledgements: The author is solely responsible for the content of this article, including all errors or omissions; acknowledgements do not imply endorsement of the content.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in published blog posts, as well as any errors or omissions, are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not represent the views of the Africa Evidence Network, its secretariat, advisory or reference groups, or its funders; nor does it imply endorsement by the afore-mentioned parties.
Suggested citation: Pontes M (2025) Enablers for Living Evidence: an Alive Learning Forum session on Artificial Intelligence. Blog posting on 20 November 2025. Available at: https://africaevidencenetwork.org/enablers-for-living-evidence-an-alive-learning-forum-session-on-artificial-intelligence/2025/11/20/
