The Nordic Africa Institute and the Finnish University Partnership for International Development warmly welcome all interested participants to join the DocShop to critical discussion regarding artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the research landscape. Researchers use AI tools, for example, in finding relevant literature, supporting their writing and analysis, and communicating the research for wider audiences. While AI is increasingly being used and becoming part of everyday research life, the ethical, epistemological and social questions remain unanswered and complex.

Researchers must consider issues such as transparency, accountability, authorship, data privacy, bias, and research integrity in which AI systems are developed. National and international research integrity frameworks provide guidance on responsible AI use in academia. However, AI and its benefits create uneven benefits between Global North and Global South. For instance, access, language and funding possibilities remain concentrated in the Global North and as a result, AI reinforces existing inequalities in knowledge production, publishing and research collaboration rather than reducing them.

This workshop aims to raise awareness and critical discussion regarding AI. It does not include only understanding how to use AI in a responsible way but also recognizing the geopolitical, economic, and epistemic dimensions of AI development and governance. The workshop aims to create space for reflection, discussion, and practical engagement with these challenges.

Invited Speakers

• Simo Kyllönen, University Lecturer, University of Helsinki
• Kudzayi Tarisayi, Associate Professor, North-West University
• Maria Ndapewa Ntinda, Senior Lecturer, University of Namibia
• Liisa Laakso, Senior Researcher, The Nordic Africa Institute
• Ilkka Jormanainen, University Lecturer, University of Eastern Finland
• Anders Danell, Head of Central Administration & Organizational Development, The Nordic Africa Institute

Programme

• Opening words, UniPID representative
• Keynote: TENK’s AI guidelines, Simo Kyllönen
• Keynote: How can doctoral researchers maintain ethical integrity while using AI in their research? Kudzayi Tarisayi
• Panel discussion: Exploring ethical and responsible approaches to AI
• Q&A
• Closing the event, Anders Danell (The Nordic Africa Institute)
  

For further questions about the event, please contact unipid-info@uef.fi.