Strategic use of generative AI - Brussels
Strategic use of generative AI - Brussels
12 March 2025, 9h00-17h00
General context
Over the last few months, the rapid establishment of generative AI and Large Language Models (LLM) has opened new frontiers in various domains.
This hands-on class aims to provide you with the necessary skills to effectively use this cutting-edge technology in an interdisciplinary way.
With two formats of participation possible, we wish to offer opportunities for everyone to build enough knowledge for a variety of applications.
1/2 DAY TICKET:
In the morning, you will follow an introduction on ethics, ownership, and general hands-on application of generative AI that can be used holistically. This is meant for anyone, including admin, support, and others, to use for their work or personal interests.
FULL DAY TICKET:
After a general view, we will navigate deeper into the use of generative AI for research; from scientific writing to analysis, we will introduce how genAI can support this process.
We will cover different aspects of using ChatBots powered with LLMs, including the ethical and ownership aspects, the theoretical background, and several examples of practical applications, among which are how to strategically prompt your request for text generation in any context, how to generate high-quality content for research papers and grant applications.
The class aims to show participants how to effectively integrate new generative AI tools within their work and research workflow. AI tools are not intended as substitutes, but rather as tools to support brainstorming, exploration, analysis and synthesis processes.
Objectives include:
- Providing a background of the evolution of generative AI models
- Providing an overview of the features and capabilities of genAI
- Analysing prompt engineering techniques for different purposes
- Exploring several applications of genAI in academic research (afternoon session)
- Providing hands-on experience with using different genAI tools for work and research purposes
- Critically evaluating the AI-generated outcomes
The workshop is designed for support staff and researchers who are approaching the use of new generative AI tools. Considering the high versatility of this new technology, the class is designed as an interdisciplinary initiative and is open to all researchers and support staff regardless of their field.
No prior experience in machine learning or coding expertise is required.
Trainers
Bruna Piereck
Bruna Piereck is a bioinformatics trainer at VIB and ELIXIR-BE training coordinator deputy. She obtained a Master and PhD degree in Molecular Genetics, with a focus on Bioinformatics from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, in 2019. During her PhD, she had the chance to collaborate with the university of Luxembourg and the McGill university in Quebec Canada for a short time. Ever since she has been involved with teaching and research and Since March 2022, she joined VIB with the mission of teaching and assist other trainers in a variety of topics.
Alexander Botzki
Alexander Botzki at the Flemish Institute of Biotechnology, Belgium has with his group the mission of providing technology training in domains of VIB Technologies, Bioinformatics & AI, Software Development, and Research Data Management. Between 2014 and 2022, he was head of the VIB Bioinformatics Core. From September 2009 to July 2014, he was responsible for the roll-out of E-Notebook (electronic lab notebook) to VIB's researchers within 75 research groups.
Before joining VIB, Alexander worked on various computational biology projects for Algonomics (bought by Lonza, 2008-2009) and DevGen (now Syngenta, from 2006-2008). During Alexander's PostDoc at Sanofi Aventis in Strasbourg, he executed various virtual screening campaigns on the compound selection of the merged enterprise. He received his doctoral degree with the group of Prof. Dr. Armin Buschauer (University of Regensburg, Germany) on 'Structure-based design of hyaluronidase inhibitors'.
Program
Morning Program
9h00 - 12h30
Lunch
12h30-13h15
Afternoon Program
13h20 - 17h00
Brief historical background: from first AI to generative AI
Mapping generative AI tools
Focus on Large Language Models (LLMs)
Tools for genAI (CoPilot, Perplexity and other competitors)
Prompt engineering
Ethical considerations
Ownership, copyright and authenticity
Conducting a literature review
Finding research gaps
Doing quantitative research
Writing an article (storytelling, etc.)
Presenting the outcome
Practical info
12 March 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels
Belgium
12 March 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
The campus is well served by metro, tram and buses of MIVB and De Lijn. An overview of stops around the campus can be found on the access plan.
Plan your route with the planner of MIVB and De Lijn.
The campus is easily accessible by train. Etterbeek and Delta train stations are within walking distance. From Brussels Central Station, in addition to the train to Etterbeek station, you can also take metro line 5 to Pétillon stop or cycle 5 km to the campus. You can plan your trip to VUB with the NMBS route planner.
12 March 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Brussels is building a network of cycling routes so that cyclists can get around safely. You can use the Brussels Route Planner to find the fastest or safest cycling route in Brussels. To commute easily from Flanders, you can use the Cycle Highways.
On the Campus Map, you will find an overview of bike tracks spread across the campus. At Student Information (Building D) you find the largest bike parking. There are several Villo! Stations around the campus where you can take a bike with a subscription or ticket and return it to another Villo! Station of your choice.
Here you can find more information on cycling to VUB and in Brussels.
12 March 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Plan your route via maps.
Visitors can request access by car via this link. Enter the campus via entrance 6 on Triomflaan and park in the underground car park under building I.
Low Emission Zone: The campus is located in the low emission zone (LEZ) of Brussels Capital Region (BCR). If you come by car, check whether your car is allowed to drive in the LEZ. If your car doesn't meet the access criteria for the LEZ, then you can buy a day pass. Cars registered abroad must register for the LEZ unless they are registered in The Netherlands.
12 March 2025
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
9h00 - 12h00 Auditorium I.0.01
12h30 - 17.00 Auditorium I.0.03