Artificial intelligence is transforming how science is conducted, governed, and funded, outpacing many national research systems. Marking the launch of the International Science Council's report Preparing National Research Ecosystems for AI, this session draws on 26 country case studies, especially from low- and middle-income contexts. Panelists will examine governance, data and compute access, workforce skills, and policy alignment, highlighting shared challenges, good practices, and the need for international cooperation to ensure AI advances science equitably.