Participants were encouraged to adopt ethical practices
to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies
KARACHI: The “AI in Research” workshop was organized at the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in collaboration with Pharm Evo Research Forum (PRF) recently. The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Masood Jawaid, attracted widespread participation and enthusiasm, with approximately 65 attendees from various medical and allied specialties. The event showcased the growing recognition of artificial intelligence (AI) as an invaluable tool in advancing healthcare research and practice.
NIDE at DUHS in collaboration with PharmEvo Research Forum organized a workshop on “AI in Research” recently. Group photograph taken on the occasion shows some of the participants with workshop facilitator Dr. Masood Jawaid and Prof. Musarrat Riaz Director NIDE who organized this academic activity.
The primary aim of the workshop was to familiarize healthcare professionals with the concept of AI, its practical applications in research, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. The workshop was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of AI’s capabilities, hands-on experience with AI-driven tools, and guidance on leveraging these tools to enhance the quality and impact of research.
The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants from various specialties, including medicine, surgery, community medicine, family medicine, gynecology, pharmacology, and nuclear medicine. This multidisciplinary participation underscored the relevance and applicability of AI across a wide range of medical disciplines.
The workshop comprised a series of interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, and discussions. Dr. Masood Jawaid began the session by outlining the transformative potential of AI in healthcare research. He provided examples of how AI has been successfully integrated into clinical studies, data analysis, and predictive modeling. The session highlighted strategies for identifying research topics that are both impactful and feasible. Participants were guided on using AI-powered tools to analyze trends, gaps, and opportunities in the existing body of literature. This session emphasized the importance of selecting topics that align with both the researcher’s expertise and the broader needs of the healthcare community.
A hands-on session demonstrated the use of AI tools to streamline the literature search process. Participants learned how to leverage AI-driven platforms to find relevant studies, organize references, and conduct systematic reviews. These tools were showcased as valuable resources for enhancing the rigor and efficiency of the research process.
A critical discussion on the ethical implications of using AI in research was conducted. Topics included data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the importance of maintaining transparency in AI-driven processes. Participants were encouraged to adopt ethical practices to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies.
An integral part of the workshop was the hands-on practice session, where participants had the opportunity to work with AI tools under the guidance of the facilitator. This practical exposure allowed attendees to explore the functionalities of AI-driven software and gain firsthand experience in integrating AI into their research workflows. The interactive nature of this session instilled confidence in the participants to use these tools independently.
The workshop achieved its objectives of enhancing awareness, building skills, and inspiring confidence in the use of AI for research. The event underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and technology.
The workshop’s focus on hands-on practice, ethical considerations, and practical applications ensured that participants left with not only theoretical knowledge but also the confidence to implement AI tools in their work. It is hoped that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for further exploration and adoption of AI in healthcare research, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients and communities.
Earlier Dr. Musarrat Riaz, the workshop organizer and Director of NIDE, in her opening remarks emphasized that AI is not a replacement for human expertise but a tool that should be mastered to amplify human potential. She encourages participants to embrace this transformative technology and explore its applications in their respective fields.
