OpenAI is expanding its role in scientific research with a new initiative that will provide free access to advanced ChatGPT models for up to 100,000 academic researchers worldwide. The company said the initiative reflects its belief that access to advanced AI tools should not be limited to large technology companies or elite research laboratories. Scientists to Receive Free Access to Advanced AI ModelsUnder the new program, researchers will receive access to OpenAI's latest frontier models, including the GPT-5.6 family at launch, along with expanded research capabilities through ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work and Codex. OpenAI Commits $250 Million to Scientific Research SupportThe ChatGPT for Academic Researchers initiative is part of OpenAI's broader commitment of more than $250 million through 2027 to support external scientific research. Applicants will need to verify their academic affiliation and provide details about their ongoing research and intended use of AI tools.