This workshop will focus on generative artificial intelligence and its applications in scientific research. Participants will gain a broader understanding of generative AI, exploring not only ChatGPT, but also the opportunities and limitations of Perplexity, a relatively unknown generative AI tool.
Students will develop knowledge about the history of AI, the concept of co-intelligence, and data security. The workshop will be structured in two parts, each combining a theoretical introduction with a practical session, allowing participants to apply what they have learned to typical academic tasks they are currently facing (scientific research, etc.).
The first part will focus on ChatGPT, explaining its strengths, limitations, how it works, and the risks and opportunities it presents, particularly in scientific research, with a focus on “hallucinations” and confidentiality issues.
The second part will introduce Perplexity, illustrating its strengths, weaknesses, and usefulness, especially for bibliographic research in academic contexts.
The workshop will conclude with a question and answer session and an assessment of the learning objectives achieved, with the aim of building knowledge about AI, deepening understanding of its strengths and limitations, and promoting the responsible use of these tools in scientific research.

Objectives

The workshop will enable them to:

- Acquire basic knowledge about AI, including its history.

- Develop critical thinking about the relationship between human and machine actions.  

- Internalize the strengths and limitations of AI by observing different types of AI and their use of personal data

- Describe how ChatGPT works in simple terms

- Identify the risks and opportunities associated with ChatGPT.

- Use Perplexity in scientific research and distinguish its use from that of ChatGPT 

Target audience

Students

Students (BA, MA, or PhD candidates at Unifr or HES-SO) from all disciplines who want to learn about AI, its implications for ethics, and its role in the academic world.

Prerequisites

• No prerequisites required

Responsibles and speakers

Speakers

TISTARELLI Giada 

Dates and locations

Period	Location
22.10.2025 from 08:15 to 12:00	PER21 - B205