Artificial Intelligence tools offer unprecedented support for researchers, but most users capture only a fraction of their capabilities. Prompt engineering is the art of crafting effective instructions for AI systems. Effective prompt engineering can support generating nuanced insights, solving complex problems, and accelerating your research workflow. This 1-hour workshop introduces prompt engineering techniques specifically tailored for academic research contexts. Designed for complete beginners with no prior AI experience, participants will engage in hands-on activities using multiple AI tools including Google's AI Data Science Assistant, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude to understand how different prompt structures yield dramatically different results.
We'll explore three research-focused examples across disciplines: qualitative research analysis and positionality reflection, health data visualisation, and coding solutions for quantitative analysis. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of prompt engineering fundamentals, practical strategies for crafting effective prompts in various research contexts, hands-on experience with multiple AI tools, and knowledge of responsible AI integration including ethical considerations and appropriate tool selection for academic research.
