The following questions were asked in the 9/17/2025 'Learn about AI-enabled search in CAS SciFinder' webinar with answers provided by a CAS representative:
1. What is the AI trained on?
"There are several proprietary AI algorithms and tools being used. They utilize the wealth of CAS data, including CAS Concepts. It may consult any field of CAS structured data in our domains."
2. Which AI providers are used in this solution and is our data protected?
"The AI features in SciFinder are not routed through a 3rd party provider. The user data and queries are protected. The AI implementation is generally for query interpretation and summarization."
3. Will the AI show you how it constructs the query from the entered search?
"The current implementation will indicate hit term highlighting. It will not show you exactly how it constructs the query."
4. Will a user eventually be required to use the AI feature?
"Users will not be forced to use the new AI features. Traditional search features will continue to be supported. There is no plan to completely remove old mechanisms of search."
5. If a user does not want to use AI, should they use the Advanced search?
"The search box in the Advanced search currently uses the older algorithms."
Side Note: As detailed on the Welcome page of this guide, there is a way to go into your settings and also revert back to the search engine that existed prior to AI implementation.
