LifeSciBench is a new benchmark that tests AI systems’ ability to handle complex life science research tasks, going beyond simple fact-recall questions. It’s designed to evaluate whether AI can support realistic research tasks, such as interpreting evidence, making judgments, and communicating conclusions. With 750 expert-authored tasks, LifeSciBench aims to close the gap between current benchmarks and real-world research needs. Why it matters: this benchmark has the potential to significantly advance the development of AI systems that can truly contribute to life science research, making it a crucial step forward in the field of artificial intelligence.