Generative AI Learning Resources for Researchers
Introduction
This page is designed to help researchers across any discipline to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) tools into their research processes. Whether you’re planning your study, searching the literature, working with data, or sharing your findings, there is now a proliferation of resources available for various stages of your research project. We have curated a short list of online courses, webinars, and articles to help you explore the potential of AI to support and enhance your academic research work.
Before diving in, consider the opportunities and risks of using AI tools in your research, glean insights from other academics’ perspectives and commentaries. Relevant guidelines and protocols for the use of AI at the University of Toronto are listed on the AI Task Force and Guidelines page. Relevant AI policies and guidelines related to research are available on the CRIS guide for Generative AI Considerations in Academic Research.
AI Basics
This section explores key AI concepts and the use of generative AI in research, including applications, effective prompting, and using U of T-licensed Microsoft Copilot.
Navigating GenAI: An Introduction for Researchers
Host: Centre for Research & Innovation Support, U of T
Date: September 2024
Cost: Free
Access requirements: UTORid
This webinar covers:
- Key AI concepts
- Applications of GenAI that support scholarly work
- Challenges and risks of using GenAI tools in research
MS Co-pilot – A Protected Alternative to ChatGPT
Host: Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration, U of T
Date: February 2025
Cost: Free
Access requirements: UTORid
This webinar covers:
- How to access and use Microsoft Copilot
- Information security considerations
- Main uses and value of this tool for administrative tasks
Conversational vs. Structured Prompting
Source: Prompt Engineering & AI Institute
Date: January 2025
Cost: Free
Access requirements: None
This article covers:
- The difference between conversational versus structured prompting techniques
- How to optimize interactions with AI chatbots
Ethical and Safe Use of AI Tools
This section provides guidance on privacy, security, and ethical considerations when using AI, including strategies to reduce chatbot hallucinations.
Use Artificial Intelligence Intelligently
Host: Information Security, U of T
Cost: Free
Access requirements: None
This article covers:
- Guidance for everyone on recognizing privacy and information security risks
- Guidance for people building or training systems with AI components
AI Hallucinations in Practice: Tools and Techniques for Reliable Generation
Host: Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration, U of T
Date: May 2025
Cost: Free
Access requirements: UTORid
This webinar covers:
- Strategies for mitigating hallucinations or incorrect responses from chatbots
- Covers administrative, research, and coding tasks
Using Generative AI Ethically at Work
Host: LinkedIn Learning
Date: January 2025
Cost: Subscription to LinkedIn Learning
Access requirements: U of T Faculty and Staff have access to LinkedIn Learning
This online course covers:
- Impact of legal and ethical considerations on GenAI use
- Adherence to AI regulations, including copyright, privacy, and safety
- Identify and make ethical choices when using AI
Cyber Security for Users of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Host: Government of Canada
Date: Multiple dates
Cost: $500
Access requirements: All Government of Canada (GC) employees and employees at other levels of government and critical infrastructure are eligible to enroll
This course covers:
- Guidance and safe use of GenAI at work
- Ethical concerns, risks, and limitations of GenAI
- Practical use of GenAI tools
Literature Exploration & Summarization
This section introduces generative AI tools for literature discovery and summarization, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and key differences between AI search engines and chatbots.
Introduction to Scopus AI and Web of Science Research Assistant to Explore Literature
Host: Centre for Research & Innovation Support & University of Toronto Libraries, U of T
Date: April 2025
Access requirements: UTORid
This webinar covers:
- Differences between AI search engines and AI chatbots
- Benefits and pitfalls of using AI tools in literature reviews
- Effective use and evaluation of Scopus AI and Web of Science RA
From Search to Synthesis: AI Tools for Literature Discovery and Summarization
Host: Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS)
Date: April 2024
Cost: Free
Access requirements: None
This webinar covers:
- Overview of GenAI tools for literature discovery, summarization, and synthesis
Working with Data
This section explores how generative AI can support coding, data visualization, and qualitative research.
Data Analysis: Quantitative Data
Host: Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS)
Date: May 2024
Cost: Free
Access requirements: None
This webinar covers:
- Generating code and graphics using GenAI chatbots
- Exploring data and generalizing code for various models
- Identifying and addressing bottlenecks in existing code
GenAI Tools for Data Visualization and Presenting Information
Host: Michigan Institute for Data & AI in Society (MIDAS)
Date: November 2024
Cost: Free
Access requirements: None
This webinar covers:
- Practical examples of leveraging LLM tools in data visualization workflows
- Overview of data visualization principles and discussion of GPT models for writing code and data exploration
- Tailored for participants with familiarity with R
Qualitative Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence in Research: Introspection in an Evolving Era
Host: Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF
Date: December 2024
Cost: Free
Access requirements: None
This webinar covers:
- Overview of AI technology in qualitative data analysis and software platforms
- Rigor and ethical implications of using AI in qualitative research
Writing & Creating
This section examines the role of generative AI in academic writing and other creative academic work, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations.
Techniques for Supercharging Academic Writing with Generative AI
Source: Nature
Date: March 2024
Cost: Free
Access requirements: UTORid
This article covers:
- Benefits and challenges of using GenAI as a writing assistant
- Framework for effective AI engagement, including routines and prompting techniques
- Considerations of AI ethics and policy in academic writing
Creative and Critical Thinking with Generative AI
Host: Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, U of T
Date: January 2025
Cost: Free
Access requirements: UTORid
This webinar covers:
- Implications of generative AI on creative and critical thinking
- Models and strategies for integrating AI-assisted creative and critical thinking in curriculum design
Project & Time Management
This section focuses on using AI to enhance productivity and reduce workload, including prompts for integrating AI into daily tasks to work more efficiently.
Reclaiming Our Time: AI and Academic Productivity
Host: National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
Date: February 2025
Cost: NCFDD membership
Access requirements: U of T Faculty can request a membership
This webinar covers:
- Challenges faced by faculty of colour, especially women, due to service duties
- Strategies for reclaiming time using AI
How to Boost Your Productivity with AI Tools
Host: LinkedIn Learning
Date: July 2023
Cost: Subscription to LinkedIn Learning
Access requirements: U of T Faculty and Staff have access to LinkedIn Learning
This online course covers:
- Framework for incorporating AI into everyday tasks
- Useful prompts to streamline tasks and working more efficiently
Disclaimer: Given the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools, copyright law, and funder and publisher policies, researchers must critically evaluate the content of each of the training resources provided on this page to determine their appropriateness for their own research context. Additionally, the resources provided on this page are by no means exhaustive.
