How can artificial intelligence help students and teachers?

In the past couple of years, we have seen remarkable developments in artificial intelligence (AI), mainly in the field of large language models (LLMs). Whether we like it or not, generative AI-based applications will be part of everybody’s life. They should not be seen as a threat to our development. Instead, we should know how they can benefit us. For a good reason, many concerns and uncertainties exist concerning their use in academia and the education system. Here, I will discuss how AI technologies and other generative AI-based systems benefit students and academic teachers. 

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How to make a scientific presentation engaging, compelling and interesting

Converting scientific research into an engaging presentation is an art. As researchers and students, we invest a significant amount of time and effort into our work, and it's only fair that we present it in a way that captivates our audience and effectively communicates our findings. A well-crafted, compelling scientific presentation can make all the difference in securing funding, publishing our research, or influencing policy decisions. It showcases our expertise and helps bridge the gap between science and the public, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of scientific advancements.

I discuss practical tips and strategies for creating an engaging, compelling, and interesting scientific presentation. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or a nervous first-timer, these insights will help you connect with your audience and effectively communicate your message. Read more

Institutional racism in the higher education, universities and scientific research sectors

Institutional racism refers to one community suppressing the other. Stokely Carmichael and Charles V. Hamilton first used the term in their 1967 book Black Power: The Politics of Liberation. In my opinion, institutional racism in the higher education, universities, and scientific research sectors is a pervasive issue. It involves systemic discrimination and bias permeating institutions, policies, practices, and attitudes. This type of racism is often subtly embedded within the fabric of these systems, making it challenging to identify and address.

The history of racism in higher education dates back to the founding of colleges and universities in America. Many of these institutions were established to explicitly train white men, excluding black students from societal leadership positions. As a result, students of colour were excluded from higher education for centuries. Even after formal segregation ended in the mid-20th century, significant barriers to access and success persisted for minority students. Read more

Work-life balance: A definitive guide for scientists

In this competitive world, managing work expectations alongside spending time with family and on personal interests is a delicate balancing act.  This balance is essential for everyone, regardless of their profession. However, it's necessary for scientists who often juggle multiple responsibilities - from conducting research and teaching duties to maintaining social connections and self-care. A healthy work-life balance can enhance productivity, creativity, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. The importance of work-life balance for scientists is underscored by the fact that they tend to be deeply dedicated to their jobs, often putting in long hours and sacrificing personal time to pursue breakthrough discoveries. However, this relentless pursuit of knowledge without a healthy balance can lead to burnout, stress, and even physical health issues.

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Understanding Research Misconduct: Unethical Practices in Science and Publication

Why Unethical Conduct Matters in Scientific Research

In today's fast-paced world, scientific research has become increasingly complex and interdisciplinary. This complexity brings various opportunities for advancements in multiple fields, such as medicine, technology, engineering, and social sciences. However, with these advancements come challenges that require a robust ethical framework to ensure responsible conduct of research. Unethical conduct in scientific research can lead to severe consequences on the individual level, including loss of reputation, career damage, and even legal penalties. On a broader scale, unethical practices can undermine public trust in the research community and jeopardise future investments in research and development.

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New jobs in science. Options for graduates in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)

The rise of AI and its impact on job opportunities for science graduates.

The dawn of the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created a paradigm shift in various industries, significantly altering the job landscape for science graduates. As machine learning algorithms evolve, the demand for experts in AI and related fields keeps growing. One of the most significant impacts of AI on job opportunities is its ability to automate tasks that were once considered purely human domains. This has led to a surge in new jobs requiring a solid understanding of technology and human interactions - "AI-safe" jobs- which balance AI operations and human intervention.

In addition to these specialised roles, AI is creating new job opportunities in interdisciplinary fields requiring cross-disciplinary solid skills.  Science graduates can find exciting career paths in fields such as data science, AI research, and development, where they can apply their skills to advance the capabilities of AI systems. For example, computer science or mathematics graduates may be particularly well-suited for roles involving algorithm design, machine learning models, and natural language processing. Graduates with expertise in science and the arts can find rewarding positions as user experience (UX) researchers or interaction designers, where they can help ensure that AI systems are designed with human needs and preferences in mind. Read more

How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be used for assessing the research quality of scientific publications?

What is AI, and how is it used in various fields?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), a field that has made significant strides over recent years, refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. These tasks range from understanding natural language, recognising patterns and images, decision-making, learning from experience, and even driving autonomously.

AI has proven its transformative potential within numerous sectors, such as healthcare, finance, transportation, retail, and education. In medicine, it aids in early disease detection and personalised treatment. In financial services, it streamlines risk management processes. Similarly, the automotive industry leverages AI for safety features like collision avoidance systems, while in education, adaptive learning platforms help cater to individual student needs more effectively.

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How can playing chess help lateral thinking in scientists?

Chess and Lateral Thinking

7 best science fiction books every virologist and virus enthusiast should read after the pandemic

Introduction to Best Science Fiction Books on Viruses

The big deal of small talk - a guide to research scientists

Small talk is a casual conversation between two or more people who don’t know each other well. It typically involves talking about the weather, current events, popular culture and everyday life. Although small talk can seem trivial, it plays a vital role in communication; it is a social glue. it helps to break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere for further conversations. As research scientists, we often find ourselves in situations where we need to engage with others on unfamiliar topics. This guide will help you understand how best to approach small talk from a scientific perspective. Hence, you feel confident engaging with peers inside and outside your field. Read more