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AI & the Research Cycle (Phase I: Environmental Scan & Discovery)

Webinar

Scope

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming every stage of the research cycle, from discovery to dissemination. This series will explore the evolving role of AI in shaping research workflows, addressing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Join experts across various fields as they delve into how AI is enhancing research processes, improving efficiency, and raising new questions about ethics, transparency, and the future of knowledge creation.

Confirmed speakers include Elisenda Aguilera-Cora ,Predoctoral Researcher, Department of Communication, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona; Karim Boughida, Dean of University Libraries, Stony Brook University; and Ken Varnum, Senior Program Manager and Discovery Strategist, University of Michigan Library. Borui Zhang, Assistant University Librarian, University of Florida will serve as the moderator.

This program is the firsts of four programs addressing artificial intelligence and the research cycle.  This series has been coordinated with the assistance of a subcommittee of the NISO Education Committee. Committee members include Rhonda Ross, CAS, Emily Singley, Elsevier, and Carolina Tanigushi, SciELO.

Event Sessions

Speakers

Ken Varnum

Senior Program Manager and Discovery Strategist
University of Michigan Library

Borui Zhang

Natural Language Processing Specialist
University of Florida

Borui Zhang, Assistant University Librarian, University of Florida served as the program moderator.

In anticipation of the discussion, the following questions have been posed to the panel:

Do you think AI is changing how we discover knowledge? How? And what’s missing in today’s AI-powered research discovery?

How librarians should engage with AI tools? What tools we should or could have?

With AI assisting in literature reviews and citations, what does the future of information literacy look like?

What AI capabilities should academic libraries prioritize? Where should they invest first? 

How can libraries shape AI policy and influence AI adoption at universities? Should libraries be leaders or facilitators in AI governance?

What strategies can libraries use to collaborate with AI researchers and administrators to ensure responsible AI adoption?

Vision Setting: Are tools like OpenAI’s deep research products and agentic AI the future of research automation?

Challenges & Opportunities: What do we need to anticipate in the next 5–10 years?

Additional Information

NISO assumes organizations register as a group. The model assumes that an unlimited number of staff will be watching the live broadcast in a single location, but also includes access to an archived recording of the event for those who may have timing conflicts. 

Educational program contacts and registrants receive sign-on instructions via email three business days prior to the virtual event. If you have not received your instructions by the day before an event, please contact NISO headquarters for assistance via email (nisohq@niso.org). 

Registrants for an event may cancel participation and receive a refund (less $30.00) if the notice of cancellation is received at NISO HQ (nisohq@niso.org) one full week prior to the event date. If received less than 7 days before, no refund will be provided. 

Links to the archived recording of the broadcast are distributed to registrants 24-48 business hours following the close of the live event. Access to that recording is intended for internal use of fellow staff at the registrant’s organization or institution. Shared resources are posted to the NISO event page.

Broadcast Platform

NISO uses the Zoom platform for the purpose of broadcasting our live events. Zoom provides apps for a variety of computing devices (tablets, laptops, etc.) To view the broadcast, you will need a device that supports the Zoom app. Attendees may also choose to listen just to audio on their phones. Sign-on credentials include the necessary dial-in numbers, if that is your preference. Once notified of their availability, recordings may be viewed from the Zoom platform.