Dr. Anastasios Papaioannou1, Dr. Jiaxin Fan1, Ms. Marium Khan1, Mr. Glen Charlton1, Dr. Jonathan Arthur1
1Intersect, Australia
Biography:
Anastasios has 15 years of experience in research and eResearch. He possesses an extensive research background and a deep technical understanding and expertise in research data, data science, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence. As Intersect’s Data Science Manager, Anastasios manages and oversees the services provided by Intersect’s Advanced Analytics & AI (3AI) Platform and the Data Science Team and works collaboratively with universities and government departments to develop and implement solutions to increase research productivity and advance their research.
Abstract:
Introduction: Modern data-intensive research requires not only domain expertise but also increasing knowledge of data science and artificial intelligence (AI). However, most disciplines do not integrate data science and AI skills into their curriculum. This creates a knowledge gap and difficulty integrating these methods into research programs. To bridge this knowledge gap, Intersect Advanced Analytics and AI (3AI) Platform is developing a first-ever, research-focused solution aiming to train researchers who would like to understand and apply AI to their research without becoming AI experts.
Methods: Intersect is the largest provider of digital research skill training in Australia with 40,000+ researchers trained over the years. To tackle the complex AI skills gap, 3AI developed the first AI Training Bootcamps designed and delivered by research data scientists with a specific research focus and relevance. Using mixed methods for the learning design, the AI bootcamps comprise 5-day instructor-led, hands-on, live training spread across 2 months, combined with pre- and post-training reading material and practical research examples, to give adequate time for knowledge acquisition and the development of practical skills.
Results: 3AI is developing four AI Bootcamps on cutting-edge AI topics for applied research. These are targeted at Early- and Mid-career researchers, with initial deliveries commencing in Q3/Q4 2024.
Conclusion: The innovative strategy behind 3AI's unique approach to bridging the AI skills gap sets it apart from traditional Digital Research training. The cutting-edge methodology used in designing the AI Bootcamps and the promising preliminary results highlights the transformative potential of this groundbreaking training offering.