Strategic use of generative AI - Ghent
Strategic use of generative AI - Ghent
30 January
General context
Over the last few months, the rapid establishment of generative AI and Large Language Models (LLM) has opened new frontiers in a variety of domains.
This hands-on class aims to provide you the necessary skills to effectively use this cutting-edge technology in a interdisciplinary way.
With two formats of participation possible, we wish to offer opportunities for everyone to build enough knowledge to 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 in the use of generative AI for research, from scientific writing to analysis, we will introduce how genAI can be supportive in 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 application among which 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
30 January 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
30 January 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
30 January 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
30 January 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.
30 January 2025
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
FSVM2 - L5