This workshop offers postdoctoral researchers a practical and critical introduction to the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into the academic research process. Participants will examine current GenAI tools and reflect on the evolving role of the researcher in an AI-supported academic environment. The course emphasizes the use of GenAI systems as analytical and generative instruments that can assist specific research activities while maintaining academic integrity and methodological rigor. Through practical activities and peer exchange, participants will develop structured strategies for using GenAI effectively across research tasks, from research planning and scientific writing. The course promotes critical reflection, responsible use, and a precise understanding of how GenAI tools can support, but not substitute, human academic judgment and reasoning.

Course objectives
• Gain foundational knowledge of Generative AI (GenAI) and its relevance to academic research.
• Examine the evolving role of the researcher in AI-enhanced academia, with a focus on higher-order skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making.
• Critically assess the research workflow, identifying which processes can be supported or enhanced by GenAI tools.
• Develop skills in prompt engineering to effectively interact with GenAI tools for academic purposes.
• Apply and personalize AI tools to support key research tasks such as research planning, literature review, and scientific writing.
• Describe what AI agents are, how agent-based AI systems differ from single-step GenAI tools, and in which types of research workflows agent-based automation may be applicable.
• Reflect on the ethical implications of using AI in research, including issues of authorship, originality, and academic integrity.