The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in collaboration with the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the School of Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), invites you to the HSRC AI Skills Development Academy — a comprehensive three-day online training programme designed to equip emerging and experienced researchers with essential artificial intelligence (AI) competencies for contemporary academic practice.
As AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, researchers are confronted with both unprecedented opportunities and pressing challenges in maintaining research excellence. This intensive programme responds to the growing need for academic professionals to develop advanced AI literacy that enhances, rather than compromises, research integrity.
How can AI tools support rigorous, ethical research? What strategies can make literature reviews faster, data analysis sharper, and proposal writing more compelling? Throughout the academy, participants will explore advanced prompting strategies that transform AI tools into powerful research collaborators.
The programme fosters practical expertise across the research spectrum, including:
- Ethical AI implementation – applying AI tools responsibly while maintaining research integrity
- Systematic literature synthesis – using cutting-edge platforms such as Notebook LM and Elicit.com
- AI-assisted code generation – supporting quantitative analysis and improving efficiency
- Advanced data visualisation techniques – presenting findings with clarity and impact
Participants will also learn to:
- Leverage AI agents for comprehensive research tasks
- Uphold rigorous academic standards and ethical compliance
For emerging and experienced researchers, academic staff, and students, these competencies represent vital professional development in an increasingly competitive academic environment. Institutions that invest in AI-competent researchers position themselves strategically for future funding opportunities, collaborative partnerships, and enhanced research impact. Individual participants will benefit from improved research efficiency, strengthened analytical capabilities, and enhanced proposal writing skills—directly contributing to career growth and scholarly productivity.
The academy’s hands-on approach ensures immediate practical application, with exercises grounded in real datasets and authentic research scenarios. Participants will leave with tangible skills to integrate AI tools seamlessly into their existing workflows, enabling the production of higher-quality research outputs while reducing time spent on manual tasks. Upon completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance, affirming their commitment to research excellence in the digital age.
We look forward to welcoming you to this important learning opportunity.
Event Date: 1 – 3 October 2025
Event Time: 9:00
Venue: Online
Registration link: click here
Contact: kchetty@hsrc.ac.za