Generative AI for DSC Researchers: Practical Skills for Responsible Use

Generative AI is rapidly transforming the way researchers work, creating new opportunities to streamline administrative tasks, organise information, draft communications, and support research workflows. However, effective use of AI requires more than simply knowing how to write prompts. Researchers need to understand the capabilities, limitations, risks, and governance considerations associated with these tools.

This practical, hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of Generative AI through realistic research scenarios. Participants will learn how to design effective prompts, work within safe and responsible AI boundaries, critically evaluate AI-generated outputs, and apply AI to research-adjacent tasks without compromising research integrity or human judgement.

The training emphasises human oversight, responsible AI use, verification techniques, and alignment with institutional governance requirements.

Who should attend?

• Staff

• HDR candidates

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain how Generative AI works and recognise its strengths, limitations, and common risks.

• Apply practical techniques to create more effective and reliable prompts.

• Use role, context, source boundaries, examples, and verification techniques to improve AI outputs.

• Identify appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI within research-adjacent workflows.

• Organise and transform information using AI while maintaining human oversight.

• Critically evaluate AI outputs for accuracy, bias, overconfidence, and unsupported claims.

• Develop reusable AI-assisted workflows for common research support activities.

• Apply responsible AI practices aligned with research integrity, governance, and institutional expectations.

• Use AI tools more confidently to reduce administrative burden while maintaining accountability for decisions and outcomes.

No prior AI experience is required. This workshop is designed for beginners and focuses on practical skills that participants can immediately apply in their research support and academic workflows.