AI and Academia: Seminar Explores Emerging Research Opportunities at University Level
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape global academic and professional landscapes, its increasing application in higher education and research has become a topic of serious discussion. Recognizing this transformative potential, a seminar titled “AI and Emerging Opportunities in University-Level Research” was held on Thursday, July 31, at the auditorium of the Proyash Institute of Special Education and Research (PISER).
Organized to raise awareness and practical understanding of AI among students and researchers, the seminar drew participation from over a hundred students and scholars of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). The event focused on how tools like Google Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and other AI platforms are being utilized in academic research worldwide. Participants received hands-on training in data collection and analysis using these tools.
Presenting a keynote paper on AI and research perspectives, Zahid Hossain Khan, an MPhil researcher from the Department of Communication Disorders at the University of Dhaka, stated, “Since 2020, artificial intelligence has been widely adopted in global research and knowledge exploration. It is now essential to encourage Bangladeshi students and researchers to engage with AI technology. As AI progresses rapidly, some experts fear the emergence of a new form of digital divide. Students in our universities must be given opportunities to practice knowledge creation and research using AI tools. Universities should also initiate training programs focusing on both the benefits and limitations of AI.”
Fatima Alam, Assistant Professor and Head of the Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Department at PISER, said, “Artificial intelligence is the new reality. Globally, the use of AI and AI-based technologies in university-level research is expanding. We cannot frame AI as a threat to our students and researchers. Instead, we must leverage it to open new avenues for academic exploration. Major research institutions worldwide are using AI in classical scientific domains to foster innovation and knowledge creation. In Bangladesh, AI can significantly contribute to health and public health-related research. Alongside students and researchers, teachers and universities must also embrace AI-driven transformation. This seminar is a step toward that direction.”
Lt. Colonel Md. Nur Ullah Jewel, psc, Director of PISER, stated, “Western countries are witnessing an immense expansion in research. For students in our country, AI presents a new horizon. It is opening extraordinary opportunities in research. To highlight this potential, we organized this special lecture seminar. We are also working to encourage our students to take up research on health and public health topics using AI.”
