Wed, 14 Jan 2026, 14:00–17:00 / Get acquainted with ChatGPT: From essential knowledge to practice

Target group: An elementary understanding of how GenAI algorithms work facilitates practical usage and adherence to good scientific practice. This introductory workshop is designed for participants with no prior experience in machine learning  (ML) and bridges the gap between foundational knowledge and hands-on application.

In the first part, Demystifying ‘Artificial Intelligence’: What It Means for a Machine to Learn, participants will discover how algorithms learn from data, how ML differs fundamentally from human learning, and why anthropomorphizations are so often misleading. In the second part, The Machinery of Large Language Models (LLMs), the workshop sharpens its focus: participants will learn how text is represented for ML algorithms, how transformers are constructed and trained, and how they generate meaningful text. Finally, in the third part, Putting Knowledge into Practice, participants will deepen their understanding of how LLMs can be used appropriately through selected examples.

Objectives:

• Acquire essential key terms (e.g. AI, machine learning, deep learning) and background information useful throughout the workshop series (and beyond)
• Learn how text is represented and processed by machine learning models
• Understand the structure and training processes behind transformers
• Gain introductory knowledge of other generative AI models
• Gain hands-on experience with LLM usage

Facilitators: Dr Oliver Kamps, Dr Katrin Schmietendorf (Center for Data Science and Complexity (CDSC))
Venue: Zoom

Tue, 26 Jan 2026, 14:00–17:00 / Generative AI in scientific practice? Ethics, explainability and sustainability

Ethical concerns about GenAI have given rise to broad discussions on its implications for good scientific practice. In face of intransparent algorithms, part I of the workshop focuses on questions of explainability in light of moral obligations for disclosure and transparency. Part II addresses matters of cultural bias and infrastructural power as sustainability aspects of GenAI relating to matters of scientific freedom and epistemic injustices. Next to condensed knowledge transfer, we rely on interactive exercises throughout the workshop, exploring prompt engineering practices, bias testing tools as well as capabilities of GenAI applications.

Objectives:

• Differentiate GenAI uses in scientific practice

• Gain insights into current discussions on the use of GenAI in science and research

• Understand epistemic risks associated with GenAI

• Reflect on transparency, explainability and sustainability of GenAI in relation to scientific accountability

Facilitators: Dr Anne Mollen (FB 06, ifk), Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
Venue: Zoom

Di, 10.02.2026, 14:00–17:00 / GKI in der geisteswissenschaftlichen Forschungsmethodik: Qualitative Daten

Zielgruppe: Der Workshop richtet sich an Doktorand:innen und Postdoktorand:innen in den Geisteswissenschaften, die in ihrer Forschung qualitative Daten analysieren und dabei generative KI (GKI) als unterstützendes Werkzeug einsetzen möchten.

Wie kann generative KI die Analyse qualitativer Daten – z. B. Interviews, historische Quellen, literarische Texte, ethnografische Notizen – in den Geisteswissenschaften unterstützen? Dieser Workshop bietet eine Einführung in GKI-Tools und zeigt praxisorientiert, wie Daten vorbereitet, analysiert und interpretiert werden können. Es wird aber auch über den Einsatz reflektiert und es werden die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen dieser Technologien für die Forschung erkundet.

Ziele:

• Verständnis der Grundlagen von generativer KI (GKI) und ihrer Funktionsweise vor dem Hintergrund geisteswissenschaftlicher Forschung
• Fähigkeit, qualitative Daten methodisch für die Analyse mit GKI aufzubereiten
• Beispiele für die Anwendung von KI-Tools zur Analyse und Interpretation qualitativer Daten
• Kritische Reflexion über Chancen, Grenzen und ethische Aspekte von GKI

Veranstaltungsleitung: Ludger Hiepel (FB 02, IBET)
Ort: Zoom

Fr, 20.02.2026, 08:30–12:30 / Einsatz von GKI in der Literaturrecherche und -analyse

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Ziele:

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Workshopleitung: Dr. Nils Beese (ULB), Dr. Filipe Pessoa (CIT)
Ort: TBA

TBA / GenAI for innovation and knowledge transfer

In this workshop we will start with a brief introduction to REACH and its innovation scouting processes, highlighting key start-ups. We'll explore how REACH identifies and supports innovative start-ups, focusing on the integration of AI technologies in the incubAI programme. Participants will get an idea of how AI is impacting different sectors, with a special focus on the Tutor.AI project and its application in learning and teaching.

The second part of the workshop will provide an introduction to the use of generative AI in innovation. In the DesAIgn Thinking Workshop, participants will generate new ideas and develop business models using the Business Model Canvas. This interactive exercise will help explore the potential of AI and its practical application in real-world scenarios.

Objectives:

• Understand innovation and science transfer processes

• Explore learning resources for programming AI solutions and their deployment

• Examine real-world use cases of Generative AI in innovating learning and teaching

• Learn how to use Generative AI for ideation processes

• Develop innovative solutions using the Business Model Canvas

Facilitators: Friedrich Bach (REACH)
Venue: Zoom

TBA / GKI in der Lehre

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Ziele:

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Workshopleitung: Friedrich Bach (REACH), Dr. Jan-Martin Geiger (FB09, Innovation und Transfer digitaler Lehre/REACH)
Ort: TBA

Fri, 6 Mar 2026, 13:00–16:00 / Using GenAI to write and present academic content in English

Target group: The workshop is aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral researchers with a working knowledge of English who want to use English more confidently in their academic writing and presenting.

English is the language of academic research, teaching and publication, and you are expected to present and write fluently and appropriately in English. This can be a daunting task for a non-native speaker. In this workshop, you will be introduced to generative AI tools that can help and support you. We will look at text revision with specific AI tools, ideally using your texts. We will also explore AI tools to create and revise slides, and practise presenting in English within the framework of Anglo-American academic conventions.

Objectives:

• Acquire specific techniques to revise academic texts with the help of AI tools

• Gain insight into English academic writing conventions to evaluate AI output

• Acquire specific techniques to improve presentation skills in English

• Gain insight into English academic presenting conventions to adapt AI output

• Understand the uses and limits of AI tools to create and revise output in English

Facilitators: Dr Julie Davies (Sprachenzentrum)
Venue: Zoom

Wed, 11 Mar 2026, 09:00–13:00 / GenAI in research methodology: Quantitative data

Target group: This workshop is aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral researchers who may have played around a bit with ChatGPT or other GenAI programmes, but otherwise have little to no experience in applying GenAI to work with quantitative data.

After an overview of the capabilities and limitations of GenAI for data analysis, participants will explore data cleansing and pre-processing, exploratory and statistical analysis, data visualization, and reporting with GenAI. They will have the opportunity to test strategies and specific prompts using provided datasets or datasets of particular interest to them.

Objectives:

• Acquire background information on data analysis with GenAI
• Learn about capabilities and limitations of GenAI in this context
• Explore specific strategies for using GenAI for data ‘wrangling’, exploration, visualization and utilization
• Gain hands-on experience with GenAI for these purposes

Facilitators: Dr Martin Korth (IVV Naturwissenschaften, NWZ), Dr Filipe Pessoa (CIT), Dr Rodolphe Dewarrat (University of Münster, CRIS.NRW)
Venue: TBA