AI and Scientific Writing

Why this course?

Generative AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) are now embedded in scientific writing practices.
They can improve clarity and structure, but they also raise critical issues:

• academic integrity and author responsibility

• algorithmic bias and standardisation of scientific discourse

• acceptable uses versus problematic or strategic misuse

This course provides a clear, pragmatic and critical framework for using AI as a writing support tool — without outsourcing scientific reasoning or responsibility.

Outcomes

After this course, you will be able to:

• use AI to revise and improve scientific texts without outsourcing reasoning or authorship,

• formulate prompts aligned with a clear writing objective and constraints,

• critically assess AI-generated revisions and identify their limits,

• apply a reusable framework to future scientific writing tasks.

Who is this course for?

• Researchers

• PhD candidates

• Lecturer-researchers
  (all disciplines)

No prior experience with AI tools is required.

A structured three-module programme

Module 1 – Beginner

AI & Scientific Writing: using AI without delegating authorship

For participants who:

• are little or not familiar with generative AI,

• or use it occasionally without a clear methodological framework.

Objective: to acquire a shared framework (ethics, tools, methods) and to be able to test AI thoughtfully on one’s own texts.

Indicative duration: 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the format.

Two ways to take Module 1

Option A — Asynchronous only

Self-paced format (≈ 2–2.5 hours)

For participants who want:

• a solid ethical and methodological framework

• practical tools and tested prompts

• to work autonomously, at their own pace

Includes:

• 9 short video capsules

• curated resources and institutional recommendations

• a ready-to-use prompt bank (12+ prompts)

• guided exercises for self-experimentation

Option B — Hybrid (recommended)

Asynchronous + live workshop (≈ 3.5 hours)

For participants who want:

• guided application to their own texts

• feedback and discussion of limits and good practices

• interaction with peers and the instructor

Includes everything in the asynchronous format, plus:

• a 1-hour live online workshop (Teams)

• small group (max. 8 participants)

• structured text clinic

• selection of a personal excerpt (200–300 words)

• mandatory prior experimentation

• instructor-led collective synthesis transferable to your practice.

Optional upgrade

Participants in the asynchronous format may later join a live workshop.

👉 Upgrade fee: CHF 90

What this course is not

❌ AI writing in your place
❌ detection or circumvention training
❌ promises of time-saving without reflection

AI can improve form. Scientific responsibility remains human.

Next live sessions (Teams)

• Friday 20 February 2026, 12:00–13:00

• Monday 13 April 2026, 17:00–18:00

  (Times are in CET – Switzerland)

  Date selection takes place after registration (we will contact you).

What happens after registration

• You receive immediate access to the asynchronous module.

• You are then contacted to choose a date for the live online session (if applicable).

• You work through the materials at your own pace before the workshop (if applicable).

• Live sessions are scheduled regularly and confirmed once the minimum number of participants is reached.

  (If none of the proposed dates work for you, alternative options can be discussed.)

Registration and payment

Course currently offered in French.
Participants may work on texts written in French or English.

Payment by invoice is available for institutions – please contact me.
For questions regarding dates or individual coaching, feel free to get in touch.

mailto:contact@leadertech.ch

Instructor

Dr Christiane Caneva
Specialist in pedagogical and critical uses of AI
Researcher, trainer and speaker in educational technologies.