Strategic use of Generative AI - Leuven
Strategic use of Generative AI - Leuven
30 September
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
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 September 2024
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
30 September 2024
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
30 September 2024
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
30 September 2024
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.
30 September 2024
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Auditorium ON5
AULA, 04.112