Because of the complexity of AI Governance and the need for expertise to understand the intrinsic technical, economic, societal and ethical implications of AI, researchers have a prominent role in the AI Act – as critical observers, independent advisors, alternative innovators, explainers, fact checkers and red flaggers. But writing the role of researchers into laws like the DSA or the AI Act is only the first step towards an informed and evidence-based governance framework. The next step still needs to be taken: to define what exactly the position of researchers is, what kind of affordances, rights and support they need from regulators and society to play that role, how it aligns with the way academia works, and how to make sure that the insights from research and academia reach policy makers and regulators.
