Our World in Data

The AOFIRS Research Team supports the Association of Internet Research Specialists in developing research resources, methodology guidance, educational materials and practical analysis for modern internet research professionals. Our work focuses on how information is discovered, evaluated, verified, analysed and documented across the rapidly changing digital environment. This includes advanced web search, AI-assisted research, source verification, OSINT, data analysis, search technology, information reliability and research ethics. AOFIRS was established in 2014 to advance professional internet research through education, certification, practical resources and collaboration. Today, the organisation supports an international community of researchers and professionals working with online information across business, academia, journalism, investigation and other research-intensive fields. AOFIRS Areas of Research The AOFIRS Research Team works across several research areas: AI for Research — evaluating and applying AI systems in professional research workflows. Research Methods & Verification — source evaluation, corroboration, evidence handling and fact verification. OSINT & Investigative Research — responsible discovery and analysis of publicly available information. Search Techniques — advanced search strategies, operators, specialised databases and retrieval methods. Search & Research Technology — search systems, indexing, crawling and emerging research technologies. Data Analysis — transforming collected information into structured and defensible findings. Answer Engines & AI Search — examining how AI systems retrieve, summarise and represent information. Research Ethics, Law & Privacy — responsible research practices and the legal and ethical boundaries of online information gathering. Market & Competitive Intelligence — applying structured research methods to business and strategic decisions. AOFIRS Resources How We Conduct Research AOFIRS research follows a structured approach rather than treating search results or AI-generated answers as automatically reliable. Our research process can include: Defining the research question and scope. Developing an appropriate search strategy. Locating relevant primary and secondary sources. Evaluating source quality and reliability. Corroborating important claims. Using AI tools where appropriate, with human verification. Analysing and interpreting the evidence. Documenting sources, methods and relevant limitations. Reviewing research before publication where required. AOFIRS's current editorial policy states that research reports, papers, white papers and methodological articles receive review by a second CIRS-certified practitioner who is not the author, followed by editorial oversight. AOFIRS Editorial Policy Editorial & Research Standards We do not treat publication as a substitute for verification. Research content should identify its author, publication and update information, methods and sources where applicable. AOFIRS's knowledge library is designed around research practice, verification and responsible use of information. AOFIRS Resources We also do not invent credentials or expertise. Where a researcher writes outside their primary area of expertise, the relevant practitioner or reviewer should be identified where appropriate. AOFIRS Editorial Policy