In recent years, AI has impacted the traditional scientific research paradigm and produced dazzling achievements that the existing paradigms could not reach. Promoting the application of AI in scientific research is an important topic in current science and technology management. This paper analyzes the basic characteristics of AI empowerment in scientific research from two dimensions. From the dimension of the research paradigm, it is found that AI improves the efficiency of data utilization, empowering the empirical paradigm; AI enhances the construction of theoretical models, empowering the theoretical paradigm; AI better fits the parameters of complex systems, empowering the simulation paradigm; and AI has the capability to process massive data, empowering the data-driven paradigm. From the dimension of the scientific research process, it is discovered that AI empowers every link of scientific research and each link iterates and progresses due to the advancement of AI capabilities. Based on this, the paper further summarizes the international trends in policies and management to promote the development of AI4S, the challenges faced by China in the development of AI4S, and provides insights for our country. China needs to strengthen strategic research and macro-planning related to AI4S, increase policy and financial support, promote international exchange and cooperation in the AI4S field, and provide research support for the orderly development of AI4S in China.