Advancing AI Literacy for Responsible Research at Scale

Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming research practices. Readily accessible generative AI tools are enhancing the quality, breadth, and impact of research. However, this rapid uptake brings significant challenges, particularly around ethical use, compliance with security, and data privacy. Additionally, data biases and result fabrications are concerns are barriers to realising the benefits of AI for many researchers. To ensure responsible and broad use of AI, it is essential researchers understand the context of their data, how AI tools generate outputs, and how they operate within institutional and societal contexts. Actions Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland has funded an AI literacy initiative. This initiative includes workshops, self-service resources, and community engagement. We have developed and delivered workshops in Responsible AI, for researchers and for supervisors, Transcription, Sentiment Analysis, Literature Reviews, and Prompt Engineering; we have enhanced one-on-one support, advertised University-approved tools (e.g. Nectar Transcription Virtual Desktop), and published online resources. Results There is significant interest and engagement from researchers in the AI workshops. We are also identifying priority knowledge gaps and concerns, and we are working within the University to improve AI infrastructure and guidance. Conclusion Our goal is to empower researchers to confidently use AI tools while upholding research integrity and ethical standards. This presentation will share our approach, key findings, and lessons learned from this initiative so far. Attendees will gain insight into how a large research institution is fostering AI literacy, where critical gaps remain, and strategies to maintain relevant as AI continues to evolve.