On 14-15 January 2026, a two-day series of AI workshops led by Prof. Dr. Daniel Mertens offered participants valuable insights into the practical, creative, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in both scientific and administrative contexts. Prof. Dr. Mertens, an experienced researcher and international trainer in transferable and digital skills, guided participants through concrete examples of how AI can meaningfully support everyday academic and administrative work.
The workshops brought together researchers, PhD students, administrative staff, and IT specialists, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and open discussion. A central theme across both workshop tracks was AI-supported writing and structured documentation, demonstrating how AI tools can enhance creativity and efficiency when applied thoughtfully and critically.
Researchers explored how large language models can support idea generation, creative thinking, scientific writing, and selected aspects of peer review. These sessions sparked lively and, at times, critical discussions—particularly around the ethical implications of using AI in evaluation and assessment processes.
A creative AI-supported coding session, led remotely by non-IT tutor Dr. Irina Idler (Ngawarati Consulting), offered an alternative and highly accessible perspective on programming. This approach resonated with non-IT participants provided fresh insights, and triggered broader debates on the potential and limitations of AI-driven change in software engineering.
Administrative staff particularly valued the hands-on and practice-oriented approach of their workshops. Participants gained concrete strategies for using AI tools more effectively, securely, and responsibly in daily tasks such as documentation, project management, and communication. Strong emphasis was placed on critical thinking and evaluation when working with AI-generated content.
Beyond efficiency gains, the sessions addressed key topics including data protection, reliability of AI outputs, and professional responsibility, all of which resonated strongly with participants.
Ethical considerations played a central role throughout the workshops. Participants engaged in open discussions on transparency, trust, and the question of whether—and under what conditions—AI use is appropriate in sensitive contexts such as peer review and decision-making.
Overall, the workshops provided not only practical skills, but also new perspectives on integrating AI thoughtfully into academic and administrative work. They highlighted that AI is not merely a tool for automation, but a means to enhance creativity, support high-quality writing, and critically rethink established work practices across disciplines.
We sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Daniel Mertens, Dr. Irina Idler, and all participants for their valuable contributions and inspiring discussions.
