Workshop on AI and open access held at Roshni Nilaya

Mangaluru, March 4, 2025: The Department of Research and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, jointly organised a workshop on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and open access tools for effective scientific research and academic paper writing. The event was held at Maria Paiva Hall on March 4, 2025, with the aim of equipping faculty and research scholars with skills to leverage AI and open access resources to enhance research quality and efficiency.

Inauguration and reflections

The workshop was formally inaugurated by Dr Rameela Shekhar, Director, Manashanthi Research, Training and Counselling Centre, Mangaluru. In her inaugural address, Dr Shekhar commended the organisers for initiating a timely and relevant workshop. She reflected on the evolution of research methodologies, recalling her own experiences where gaining academic knowledge required extensive visits to libraries and institutions, compared to today’s digital era, where AI offers instant access to vast information.

Dr Shekhar highlighted that AI tools significantly benefit researchers, especially those whose first language is not English, by breaking language barriers. However, she also encouraged participants to reflect on whether manually conducting literature reviews provides a unique intellectual satisfaction and deeper engagement. She stressed the importance of fact-checking AI-generated content, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and ethical responsibility in research work. AI, she said, should be treated as a support tool rather than a substitute for human intelligence, with critical thinking and analytical abilities remaining indispensable for quality research.

AI as an assistant, not a replacement

The workshop also featured insights from Dr Amitab Anand, Full Professor at Excelia Business School, La Rochelle, France, who discussed the transformative impact of AI in research. While recognising AI as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency, Dr Anand firmly stated that AI cannot replace the core scientific methods and processes that underpin rigorous academic research.

Dr Anand underscored the importance of choosing the right AI tools, cautioning that improper use could lead to misinformation or reduced research depth. He advised scholars to continuously upskill themselves to stay relevant in the evolving digital research environment, while maintaining a balanced approach that combines AI’s efficiency with human originality, analytical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

Importance of integrating technology in research

In her presidential address, Associate Professor Cecilia Goveas congratulated the organisers for arranging a practical and timely workshop. She highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement and the need for researchers to adapt, not just in producing knowledge but also in effectively communicating and sharing their work. She expressed confidence that by the end of the workshop, participants would be well-equipped to integrate AI tools into their research practices responsibly.

Promoting responsible AI use in academia

The workshop served as an important platform to promote responsible and ethical use of AI in academic research. It encouraged scholars to embrace AI’s potential while also safeguarding the integrity and intellectual rigor that defines quality scientific inquiry.

Guests and coordination

The workshop was attended by:

• Dr Meena Monteiro, Dean, PG Studies
• Dr Sebastin K V, Dean, Research
• Dr Saritha D Souza, IQAC Coordinator
• Dr Rosa Nimmy Mathew, IQAC Co-coordinator

The programme was hosted by Ms Shravya Naik, with prayers led by Ms Bhumika. Ms Bhakyalakshmi, PhD Scholar, delivered the welcome address, and Ms Veena B K, Head of the BSW Department, delivered the vote of thanks.