Abstract:AI for Science (AI4Science) workflows often treat the released dataset as a fixed interface to the underlying system.
However, in domains relying on \emph{indirect observation}, the learner observes a derivative representation produced by multi-stage measurement, reconstruction, and preprocessing pipelines.
\textbf{We argue that these measurement-to-dataset pipelines are inference components: treating their outputs as ``given data'' freezes an observation model and obscures uncertainty over feasible pipeline choices.}
We identify three failure modes arising from this ``frozen lens'': \textbf{(C1) hidden hypothesis space}, where the released dataset does not specify the pipeline configuration or its validity conditions; \textbf{(C2) uncertified transportability}, where a pipeline may be documented but its regime of validity is untested, so failures under distribution shift cannot be adjudicated; \textbf{(C3) ungoverned multiplicity}, where many defensible pipelines exist and dispersion is real but not propagated into uncertainty-aware evidence.
We stress-test these claims with a large-scale neuroscience empirical audit, finding a survival rate of $\approx 0.0004\%$ under a cross-dataset stability criterion.
We call on the AI4Science community to make pipelines \emph{computable} inference objects via domain-specific Computable Observation Frameworks.
This shift enables quantifying pipeline adequacy and stability, converting implicit implementation choices into auditable, reproducible, and cumulative scientific evidence.
From: Ling Zhan [view email]
[v1]
Sat, 23 May 2026 12:50:00 UTC (1,442 KB)
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