Mysore/Mysuru: A two-day workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Research Tools was organised by the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC), University of Mysore (UoM), in association with the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), with support from Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), on Dec. 22 at its EDUSAT Conference Hall.

Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. D.S. Guru, Department of Studies in Computer Science, UoM, emphasised the necessity of using AI tools in research, while cautioning scholars not to depend entirely on them.

He stressed that AI tools should support research and not replace the researcher. He pointed out that most AI tools available today are still in a nascent stage.

Prof. Guru explained that AI is an emerging technology meant to supplement human intelligence, making researchers more efficient, effective and productive. He observed that while AI possesses intelligence, it lacks common sense, which humans must provide by critically evaluating and validating AI-generated content.

Chief guest Prof. H.P. Jyothi, Director, MMTTC, UoM, stressed that the use of AI in research is the need of the hour.

Recalling her own Ph.D journey, she mentioned that she pursued her research in a pre-AI era, relying on traditional methods for literature review and rigorous supervision. She remarked that the present generation of researchers are fortunate to have access to AI and advanced research tools, which she described as game-changers in the research ecosystem.

However, she cautioned that AI cannot replace a good researcher and has its own limitations. Emphasising the importance of human intellect and critical thinking, she concluded by stating that while a Ph.D is a degree, research is a lifelong journey.

Prof. M.S. Sapna, Director, EMRC, said the primary objective of the workshop was to provide greater exposure to AI tools for research scholars. Expressing gratitude to the UoM, RUSA and MMTTC for providing a platform to hold the workshop, she highlighted that EMRC is not only a media production centre but also a research centre and hence there is a need to bridge the gap between research scholars and emerging technologies.