AI as Research Ally

The event is organized as part of ISA's Virtual Professional Advancement Seminar Series. Open to both ISA members and non-members. AI as Research Ally is a practical seminar designed for graduate students, early-career researchers, faculty, and academic librarians, focused on the critical, responsible application of AI within the research lifecycle.
 
The session begins by categorizing AI tools based on their functional utility, from literature discovery and summarization to data coding and manuscript revision. Rather than treating AI as a monolithic, universal solution, participants will evaluate specific tasks where these technologies provide measurable support and identify areas where human oversight remains indispensable.
 
Participants will also examine the ethical implications of AI use, including risks related to algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the phenomenon of "hallucinations." Crucially, the session clarifies the distinction between acknowledging AI as a functional assistant and formally citing it as a source, as well as practices for ensuring compliance with shifting journal and institutional policies.
 
For those in teaching roles, the seminar offers strategies for syllabus design and classroom management. We will discuss how to move toward a model of transparency, fostering academic integrity by teaching students to use AI critically and methodologically.
 
The session concludes with an active learning lab. Participants will work in small groups to apply these tools to concrete scholarly tasks while establishing practical "rules of thumb" for their specific tools and disciplines. Attendees will leave with a grounded understanding of how to maintain the human-centered nature of research while utilizing AI as a supportive resource.

Thursday, 16 April 2026
11:00 am - 01:00 pm US EDT
(04:00 pm - 06:00 pm UTC)