How AI is transforming the role of today’s researcher?

As AI lifts much of the operational burden from insight teams, the role of the researcher is undergoing a meaningful shift. Execution is no longer the differentiator. Human strengths – interpretation, contextual thinking and strategic influence – are.

In this webinar, we’ll explore what this shift looks like in practice. With AI now able to moderate conversations, organise data and generate first-pass insights, researchers are freed to operate at a higher level – shaping meaning, influencing decisions and driving direction. 

But as the tools evolve, so do expectations. Today’s researchers are increasingly seen as strategic partners and storytellers: professionals who connect insight to action and turn complexity into clarity. 

So how do researchers prepare for this evolution? What new value does automation unlock – and what skills will define relevance and impact in the years ahead? 

Join us as we explore how AI is enabling insight teams to move beyond delivery work and play a more central role in shaping strategy, decisions and outcomes—and why this shift is becoming essential for the future credibility and influence of the insight function. 

Attend to:  

• Understand how AI is shifting research from operational execution to higher-value human judgement 

• Identify the skills and behaviours shaping the next generation of insight professionals 

• Discover the advantage of faster, clearer and more confident insight-led decision making 

• Learn how AI is strengthening collaboration across teams, embedding insight more deeply into product, brand and business strategy 

Ester Marchetti is Co-founder and Head of Innovation at Bolt Insight, with 20 years’ experience spanning both client and agency sides of the insights industry. She began her career at Unilever and Reckitt, where she translated deep consumer understanding into commercially impactful innovation strategies. At Bolt Insight, Ester leads the development of AI-driven research methodologies that enable brands to engage consumers and generate real-time, high-quality insight at scale. Under her leadership, BoltChatAI won the MRS Award for Best Online Qual, and Ester was recognised with the Research Hero Award for her contribution to advancing the insights industry.