Ulster University Poll “The AI Pulse: Public Sentiment in Northern Ireland on Artificial Intelligence’ sets out local views regarding Artificial Intelligence
Ulster University’s Strategic Policy Unit (SPU) has today published the findings of the first comprehensive opinion poll capturing how people across Northern Ireland understand, use and feel about Artificial Intelligence – providing a powerful new evidence base for policymakers as AI adoption accelerates across society.
The poll, commissioned by the SPU and conducted by LucidTalk between 8–11 November 2025 with a representative sample of 1,970 adults, reveals that Northern Ireland is ready to engage with AI – but almost completely untrained in how to use it. It also shows very strong public support for human oversight, ethical safeguards and greater transparency, alongside clear optimism for AI’s potential benefits in healthcare, science, education and the wider economy.
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Major “AI Readiness Gap”: poll indicates high awareness but low levels of training
The survey shows extremely high levels of public awareness, with 83% reporting they are somewhat or very aware of AI and growing usage across a range of everyday activities.
However, only 10% of respondents report having received any training in how to use AI safely or effectively.
Professor Stephen Farry, Co-Director of the Strategic Policy Unit, said:
“The AI revolution is well underway. This poll shows that the Northern Ireland public is engaged and curious – but not equipped. The readiness gap is stark. If we want AI to drive economic growth and transform public services, we must invest urgently in digital education and workplace skills.”
Public trust in AI is low – but trust in human oversight is overwhelming
While people recognise AI’s potential, respondents expressed clear concern about risks, including misinformation, threats to democracy, job disruption and ethical misuse.
Only 12% of people say they trust AI to provide accurate results, and just 7% trust it to be used ethically.
At the same time, the public expresses near-unanimous support for strong governance:
84% believe humans must always have the final say on important decisions made using AI
94% agree that a strong ethical framework is essential
94% believe AI should be subject to greater regulation
93% want public services to declare when and where AI is being used
Professor Farry continued:
“People are not rejecting AI – they are demanding responsible, transparent, human-led governance. Trust must be built through strong oversight and ethical frameworks. This is a clear signal to policymakers, industry and public services.”
Optimism for AI’s potential benefits
Despite concerns, the poll shows that people in Northern Ireland perceive opportunities from AI, particularly for areas that directly improve quality of life:
67% believe AI will be beneficial for medical and scientific discovery
64% believe it will benefit healthcare
55% believe it will support education and learning
55% believe it will benefit business and industry
Professor Jodie Carson, Co-Director of the Strategic Policy Unit, said:
“There is optimism for AI’s potential to advance healthcare, science and education.
But optimism is tempered by uncertainty, and people want reassurance that AI is being developed and deployed safely, ethically and transparently.”
She added:
“Responses regarding awareness, usage, willingness to use AI, confidence levels and perceptions, indicate significant differences by gender, age and socio-economic status. This suggests an emerging digital divide in AI literacy that must be mitigated through targeted policy interventions if Northern Ireland is to ensure inclusive and sustained access to the benefits of AI.”
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Clear implications for policy and skills development
The findings suggest strong public support for action to ensure Northern Ireland can reap the economic and societal benefits of AI:
69% support AI skills being embedded across the education system
63% want greater opportunities for adults to acquire AI skills
Professor Farry concluded:
“This poll should give policymakers confidence to press ahead with the right interventions.
Upskilling and reskilling are urgent if Northern Ireland is to stay competitive.
The public wants transparent, ethical, human-led AI – and they want the skills to use it themselves.”
Sync NI's Autumn 2025 magazine explores how Northern Ireland is moving AI from pilot to production
This issue features exclusive insights from industry leaders on real-world AI implementation, responsible adoption, enterprise infrastructure, and how data-driven innovation is transforming businesses across the region.
Read the Big Data Special Edition free online →
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