Introduction to Research AI tools; for the seven stages of research

Course dates and locations

• 26 March 2026, 1-5 p.m.
  CIT Smitsborg 5431-0017 Zebra, Nettelbosje 1 Groningen
• 13 April 2026, 9.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  Mercator Building 5416.0150, Landleven 1 Groningen
• 23 April 2026, 1-5 p.m.
  CIT Smitsborg 5431-0074 Bluegene, Nettelbosje 1 Groningen

Introduction to Research AI tools; for the seven stages of Research

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing research with innovative tools to streamline processes and boost productivity. This workshop explores how AI can enhance the seven stages of research: Discovery, Implementation, Analysis, Writing, Publication, Outreach, and Evaluation. Participants will experience how AI can save time and improve quality by using the right tools to identify research gaps, analyze data, draft manuscripts, and improve their work’s visibility and impact. This workshop on AI tooling is designed for academic staff, but no technical background is required.

Who should attend?

This course is for academic staff who are beginner or intermediate users of AI tools and want to learn how AI tools can help in research. No prior knowledge is required, but an idea of what you would like to achieve with AI tools would be nice.

You are also free to join this workshop if you are already more experienced with AI tools, as you could share your experitise.

Content

This workshop will cover the seven stages of research, showing how AI can enhance productivity at each step.
✅ Discovery: explore your field, identify gaps in the literature, and design a novel research plan.
✅ Implementation: streamline data collection across lab work, fieldwork, or interviews.
✅ Analysis: data interpretation and visualization.
✅ Writing: assist with drafting manuscripts.
✅ Publication: navigate peer review, copyright, and revisions with AI support.
✅ Outreach: amplify research visibility through open-access platforms and social media.
✅ Evaluation: engage with feedback, track citations, and measure the impact of your work.

The first hour of the workshop will be a presentation and discussion session, during which we will introduce the tools. The remaining three hours will be dedicated to hands-on learning, during which you will experiment with different types of AI tools. During this session, you will explore the possibility of these tools and learn how they can be applied to tasks relevant to your research.

(extra: Additionally, you are welcome to attend with a question that you may already need help with, and we can provide assistance during the hands-on session!)

Preparation

• The workshop requires no preparation.
• It is recommended that you bring your own laptop. If you do not have a laptop, please contact t.j.van.mourik@rug.nl so we can arrange one for you.

Result

By the end of this workshop, you will understand the potential and limitations of AI tools and be equipped with practical skills to use them in research. This workshop is designed to engage participants actively, with opportunities for collaborative exploration and plenty of time to ask questions and get feedback.

Please note: this workshop does not provide advice on university policies regarding AI use, since a comprehensive university-wide policy does not yet exist. We do not provide conclusive answers on which tools to use and to what extent, this is up to you to decide based on our privacy and security disclaimers given during the workshop, and your faculty guidelines.

Enrollment and course fee

Attendance is free for UG staff and PhD-students, but registration is required.

More information

• If you would like to be notified of future courses or other AI-related events, please fill out this form.
• If you would like to organize a personalized Introduction to Research AI tools; for the seven stages of Research workshop, have more questions about the workshop or would like to know more about AI tool support, you can mail the AI Office at ai-office rug.nl.