Artificial intelligence use in doctoral research
Schedule
Mon Jun 01 2026 at 09:30 am to 04:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Cooper Building, University of Greenwich | London, EN
About this Event
Applications are open for places at the DTA Future Societies and University of Greenwich one‑day, interactive workshop on the use of Artificial Intelligence in doctoral research. The workshop will be conducted in English. It is open to PhD students and their supervisors from DTA Future Societies partner universities, including the University of Greenwich.
We invite postgraduate researchers and supervisors who wish to take a dedicated day to reflect on the role and impact of AI across the PhD journey.
Apply by 15 May. The workshop is free to attend, and limited travel support is available for selected participants.
Workshop focus:
Learning in our interactive sessions will be supported by expert-led training and guided discussions. Workshop activities address:
1) Understanding GenAI tools across the research lifecycle
2) Ethical and responsible use of AI in research
3) Opportunities and risks of AI for doctoral work
4) Collaborative development of shared principles for AI use
5) Co‑creation of an AI Charter for PGRs and supervisors
Format:
The workshop will run over one full day. The morning will feature training sessions delivered by experts in the field, offering an overview of GenAI use and key ethical considerations. The afternoon will provide a structured forum for participants to discuss shared principles and contribute to the development of a collective AI Charter for PGRs and supervisors.
Who can attend:
PhD students from DTA Future Societies Partner Universities.
Supervisors of DTA Future Societies PhD Students
Travel reimbursement for up to £100 for up to 10 PhD students attending in person.
How to apply:
A 150-word expression of interest, which can be provided when registering here via Eventbrite.
Travel request
Please complete all sections of the form. Applications will be evaluated in terms of the strength of the case you make for attend the workshop, and your need to attend (and its potential benefit).
Deadline
The final deadline for applications is 15 May. Successful applicants will be notified shortly after the deadline.
Details of the event:
Morning session:
Dr Guido Conaldi is an Associate Professor in Organisational Sociology. His interdisciplinary research bridges organisational sociology, social network analysis and innovation studies to examine how digital technologies reshape organisational dynamics and collaborative practices, including the impact of generative AI in Higher Education.
Guido’s session will offer a practical introduction to using generative AI across the research lifecycle, with examples relevant to both qualitative and quantitative researchers
Dr. Thomas Ferretti is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Ethics and Sustainable Business. He is an expert in moral and political philosophy, policy evaluation, and business ethics. He currently is leading research projects on Ethics of artificial intelligence and information technology.
The focus of Thomas’s session will be on the ethics of using Artificial Intelligence in Research.
Afternoon session:
Dr. Wenjie Cai is Associate Professor in Tourism and Associate Head of School for Research and Knowledge Exchange. His research focuses on digital wellbeing, diversity, equality and social inclusion in the context of tourism and hospitality.
Wenjie will lead and moderate a series of focus groups aimed at discussing different perspectives, experiences and positionalities related to the use of AI during doctoral studies.
The aim of this session is to create a PhD AI chart, based on a consensus among doctoral students and supervisors on fair and ethical use of AI. The Chart and ensuing dialogue will act as a starting point for ongoing discussion within the DTA and University Alliance network, providing a shared point of reference to inform future policy.
Organisers:
Dr. Elisa Pannini, Lecturer in HRM. Her research focuses on comparative employment relations, labour market regulation and unions organising, with a focus on precarious workers, and technology adoption and effect on workers.
Dr. Anna Piazza, Senior Lecturer in Economic Sociology. Her work explores the multidisciplinary links between organisational theories, social network analysis, and cybersecurity, including the socio‑relational aspects of emerging technologies and their connection to gender bias.
Dr. Emanuele Lobina, Associate Professor, Public Services International Research Unit. His research is focused on reconceptualising public service efficiency and productivity, and exploring the the political economy of he human right to water, and its remunicipalisation, or reverse privatisation.
Queries
Please feel free to reach out to the organisers for more information: Dr. Elisa Pannini [email protected] and Dr. Anna Piazza [email protected]
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM
Registration and breakfast
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Introduction and DTA welcome
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
First Session - Dr. Thomas Ferretti
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Second Session – Dr. Guido Conaldi
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Q&A
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Focus groups
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Break
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:15 PM
Discussion and principles agreement
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Concluding remarks
Where is it happening?
Cooper Building, University of Greenwich, King William Walk, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
