News & Seminars
AI Literacy at UCC: A Valuable Workshop for Academic and Research Staff in a Rapidly Changing Digital Landscape by Dr Rosarii Griffin, Chair of UCCRSA
On May 2nd, I had the opportunity to attend Prof. Barry O’Sullivan’s AI Literacy course at held in the Western Gateway Building and also online. This course was organised in conjunction with the ENTIRE Enterprise Digital Innovation Hub, UCC Futures in AI and Data Analytics, the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, and the School of Computer Science & IT and offered a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Artificial Intelligence and its implications for research, education, and industry.
From a research staff perspective, particularly from the Research Staff Association (UCCRSA) perspective, this course could not have been more timely or relevant.
Photo: Prof. Barry O’Sullivan teaching his AI Literacy Course
As AI technologies rapidly evolve and begin to shape everything from data analysis and project design to research integrity and dissemination, it is essential that research staff are equipped to understand and engage with these changes. The course provided a valuable foundation, regardless of discipline, allowing us to better navigate AI’s opportunities and challenges within both our research and our broader academic roles.
The morning session provided a rich overview of the history and development of AI, demystifying the jargon and highlighting key milestones. This helped ground the day’s discussions in context, making it easier to grasp the scale and speed of AI advancements, particularly in machine learning and generative AI. It was also a reminder of how quickly these tools are becoming embedded in everyday research practice, from data modelling to automated literature reviews, weighing up the risks and benefits of its application.
Equally impactful was the afternoon session on the ethics of AI and the forthcoming European AI Act. This regulatory framework, soon to be implemented across the EU, will affect not only large tech companies but also public institutions like UCC.
For research staff who are often at the forefront of both AI development and AI use, such knowledge is crucial. Understanding the risk classifications of AI systems, transparency requirements, and implications for compliance will help ensure our research remains responsible and aligned with emerging policy standards.
One of the course’s greatest strengths was its openness: it welcomed UCC academic and research staff across all disciplines, as well as SMEs. This inclusive approach facilitated rich Q&A discussions and made the content relevant to a wider audience. It also underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, and across research areas, as we all grapple with the challenges and potential of AI.
A special thanks to Prof. Barry O’Sullivan and all the team, for their leadership in developing and delivering this course.
Barry’s easy communication style as well as his commitment to making AI literacy accessible to the wider university community was very evident. The course was not only informative but empowering, encouraging all of us to think critically about how AI is shaping our fields and how we can respond with integrity, curiosity, and confidence. For research staff at UCC, initiatives like this are not only invaluable but essential. As AI continues to transform the research environment, staying informed and connected through events like this will be key to thriving in an increasingly digital academic world. Currently, Barry has proposed to run a on new University-wide module, UW0013 on ‘The Essentials of Artificial Intelligence’, open to all staff and full-time registered students. Already there is huge uptake, signifying that AI is now an essential part of the higher education landscape given its ubiquity. Beir bua Barry!