SciSpace Academy
Tutorial

Using AI for Research: A Practical Introduction for Researchers

Dr. David Santandreu CalongeEnglishStart here

TL;DR

1-min read

Artificial intelligence can seem intimidating to researchers without a technical background. This tutorial, led by Dr. David Santandreu Calonge, Acting Director (Academic Development) and Head of Educational Program Development at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, aims to remove that barrier. Drawing on more than three decades in education, he breaks AI concepts into manageable ideas. It is aimed at researchers at any career stage, from new students to experienced academics.

Key takeaways

  • Core AI concepts can be explained in simple terms, so researchers do not need programming knowledge to get started.
  • AI can streamline parts of the research process from data collection through to analysis.
  • Practical uses include finding and summarising literature, organising notes, cleaning and analysing data, spotting patterns and improving the clarity of writing.
  • AI works best on well-defined tasks where the researcher can check the output.
  • Understanding how these tools generate answers and where their limits lie matters more than technical skill, as does verifying outputs against reliable sources.
  • Decisions about research design, interpretation and conclusions should always remain with the researcher.
Apply it

To apply this, choose one well-defined task, such as summarising a set of papers in SciSpace, and compare the output with the sources before relying on it.

How to do it

  1. Learn core AI concepts simply

    Start by learning core AI concepts in simple terms, without needing a technical background. Understanding the basics removes much of the intimidation.

  2. Identify where AI can help

    Map where AI can streamline your research process, from data collection to analysis. This shows what AI can realistically contribute.

  3. Start at your career stage

    Choose practical first steps suited to your career stage, whether experienced or just starting out. Small steps make using AI for research manageable.

  4. Treat AI as an accessible aid

    Approach AI as an accessible research aid rather than a specialist technology. This mindset helps you adopt specific tools with confidence.

Try this on SciSpace

Frequently asked questions

How can AI be used in research?

AI can help at many stages: finding and summarising literature, organising notes, cleaning and analysing data, spotting patterns and improving the clarity of writing. It works best on well-defined tasks where the researcher can check the output. Decisions about research design, interpretation and conclusions should always remain with the researcher.

Do I need technical skills to use AI in research?

Not usually. Many AI research tools work through plain-language questions and familiar interfaces, so you can begin without programming knowledge. What matters more is understanding the basics of how these tools generate answers, what their limitations are, and how to verify their outputs against reliable sources before relying on them.

Related tutorials