The Generative AI in Research Practice Project will support researchers, particularly postgraduate and doctoral supervisors to understand and explore the opportunities, limitations and ethical considerations of using Generative AI (GAI) in their disciplinary and own research contexts.
GAI presents a paradigm shift for research practice. However, whilst most institutions have already developed frameworks and guidance addressing the use of GAI in taught contexts, with the exception of disciplines where AI is integral to the science, there has been less focus on the use of GAI by researchers.
The project is based at Staffordshire University and the project team are collaborating with the UK Council for Graduate Education, the national representative body for postgraduate education and research.
Collaborative Development Fund 2023-24
Check out the other Collaborative Development Funds projects.
Aims and objectives
- Create, deliver and evaluate a series of workshops and webinars providing an overview of GAI for researchers and exploring its application of GAI in different areas of research practice.
- An introduction to GAI
- GAI and Literature Reviews
- GAI and Researcher Careers Support and Development
- Applications of GAI for Qualitative Research
- Using GAI to repurpose research for different audiences
- Create a toolkit of resources, for researchers and senior leaders involved in supporting them.
Project outputs
A toolkit
A toolkit comprising Case studies, reusable learning objects and activities to support researchers to:
• Review, compare and critically evaluate the usefulness, validity and reliability of GAI for different research processes and disciplinary contexts
• Address the societal, ethical and integrity implications of using GAI in their own research contexts.
• Implement principles and guidelines to support the responsible use of GAI in research practice.
• Review, compare and critically evaluate the usefulness, validity and reliability of GAI for different research processes and disciplinary contexts
• Address the societal, ethical and integrity implications of using GAI in their own research contexts.
• Implement principles and guidelines to support the responsible use of GAI in research practice.
Project team
Dr Jane Wellens
Dr Jane Wellens is Head of the Graduate School and Associate Professor of Graduate Education at Staffordshire University. Jane has extensive experience in supporting educational and research development both nationally and internationally.
Jon Fairburn
Jon Fairburn is an Emeritus Professor at Staffordshire University, having very recently retired. He has taught and researched in digital marketing management a sector that is seeing rapid adoption of AI.
Dr Owen Gower
Dr Owen Gower is Director of the UK Council for Graduate Education, a sector-wide body that champions postgraduate education and research by enabling collective leadership across UK HEIs.
Gary McNally
Gary McNally is a Curriculum Design Lead and Employability Researcher at Keele University. He has extensive experience in supporting researchers with CPD.
Dr Jim Pugh
Dr Jim Pugh is the Director of the Institute of Education at Staffordshire University and will provide pedagogic and evaluation input to the project.
Craig Holdcroft
Craig Holdcroft is a Lecturer in Business at Staffordshire University with a background in digital marketing and consumer behaviour. He has experience of integrating GAI into business strategy as well as teaching and learning.