Artificial Intelligence in Research
Second workshop — Ethics of AI & Effective Research Practice
5 October 2026 | 8:55 am–5:00 pm
Following the first workshop held in June, the ERS Workshop Series 2026 – Artificial Intelligence in Research continues with a second full-day event dedicated to the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence in scientific research.
The workshop will combine reflection on the ethical implications of AI with practical guidance on the use of generative AI throughout the research process, offering researchers an opportunity to critically assess both the potential and the challenges associated with these rapidly evolving tools.
The morning will open with Viola Schiaffonati (Politecnico di Milano), who will address “The Ethics of AI in Scientific Research”, exploring key ethical questions raised by the growing use of artificial intelligence in research.
The programme will then continue with Ben Golub (Northwestern University), who will lead two sessions on “Effective Use of Generative AI in Research”, focusing on how generative AI can be used effectively and responsibly in research practice.
Programme
8:55–9:00
Welcome remarks
Alessia Russo, University of Padua
9:00–10:30
The Ethics of AI in Scientific Research
Viola Schiaffonati, Politecnico di Milano
10:30–11:00
Coffee break
11:00–13:00
Effective Use of Generative AI in Research – Part I
Ben Golub, Northwestern University
13:00–14:00
Lunch break
14:00–17:00
Effective Use of Generative AI in Research – Part II
Ben Golub, Northwestern University
Practical information
Date: Monday, 5 October 2026
Time: 8:55 am–5:00 pm
Venue: Room 32 “LAL”, Torre C3 Economia, Via Bassi 1, Padua
Participation: Registration required
first workshop - AI Use Guidelines & Effective Research Practice
On 25 June 2026, the Department of Economics and Management “Marco Fanno” hosted the first event in the ERS Workshop Series 2026 – Artificial Intelligence in Research, dedicated to the responsible, ethical, and effective use of generative artificial intelligence in academic research.
The workshop provided faculty members and researchers with an opportunity to explore the University of Padua guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in research, as well as the practical applications of generative AI tools across the different stages of the research process.
Following the opening remarks by Alessia Russo, Davide Risso from the University of Padua presented the UNIPD AI Use Guidelines in Academic Research. The event continued with a presentation by Antonio Mele from the London School of Economics on the effective use of generative artificial intelligence in research activities.
Event video
The full recording of the workshop, including the speakers’ presentations and the discussion with participants, is available below.
[Watch the morning event video] [Watch the afternoon event video]
Slides and materials
View and download the presentations delivered during the workshop:
Davide Risso – “UNIPD AI Use Guidelines in Academic Research”
[Download the slides]Antonio Mele – “Effective Use of Generative AI in Research”
[Download the slides]
