The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) recently hosted a cutting-edge Training Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research, marking a significant step towards embracing AI-driven education and management. Spearheaded by the University Research and Development Office (URDO), headed by its director, Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, the event aimed to equip UNP faculty and students with the knowledge and skills to harness the power of AI in their research endeavors. Held on December 17-18, 2024, at UNP Tadena Hall, the event brought together experts from China and the Philippines, offering a unique blend of international perspectives on AI integration in academic research.

The workshop featured two distinguished speakers: Mr. Zhou Song, an IT Product Manager, and Agile Certified Practitioner from Chengdu, China, and Dr. Thelma D. Palaoag, Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Office at the University of the Cordilleras (UC) in Baguio City. Their diverse backgrounds provided participants with a comprehensive view of AI’s global impact on research methodologies.

Mr. Song delivered a virtual session focusing on Security AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). He demonstrated how these technologies enhance data integrity, streamline literature reviews, and revolutionize image recognition across various scientific fields.

Dr. Palaoag introduced participants to a range of AI tools under the mantra “Think Smarter, Not Harder”. She showcased AI websites, and applications designed to assist researchers in idea generation, data collection, literature reviews, and data analysis.

The second day of the workshop was dedicated to practical application, led by Dr. Palaoag and UC faculty members Ms. Vanessa Kate Aniceto and Ms. Zyra Yell Fagyan. Participants gained hands-on experience with:
 NotebookLM: A virtual research assistant developed by Google Labs for AI-assisted summarization, Q&A, idea generation, and content transformation.
 Orange software: Used for data visualization, machine learning, data mining, and data analysis.

The workshop, attended by over 150 faculty members and students, is part of UNP’s broader Futures Thinking Capacity Building Project. It aligns with the University’s commitment to promoting innovation, and preparing its community for a tech-driven academic landscape.

Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, UNP President, emphasized the importance of balancing AI capabilities with human expertise, ensuring that AI enhances rather than replaces human ingenuity in research. This forward-thinking approach positions UNP as a potential leader in AI research, bridging global expertise to create a more innovative, and efficient academic environment.

As UNP continues to invest in AI education and integration, the University is setting a precedent for how institutions can leverage international collaborations to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in academia.