Join Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) and C-DICE for this one-hour workshop exploring the environmental impact of Generative AI use in research and how to use it responsibly.
Generative AI is becoming part of everyday research practice, from literature reviewing and writing support to data analysis, coding, grant applications and project management. This one-hour session will give researchers a clear, practical introduction to the environmental implications of using generative AI, with a particular focus on energy use, carbon emissions, water consumption, data centres, model training and everyday AI use. We will explore what is currently known, where the evidence is still developing, and why this matters for researchers working in energy, sustainability and net zero.
The session will also focus on practical mitigation. Participants will consider how to use AI more responsibly, including when AI is genuinely useful, when simpler digital tools may be more appropriate, how to reduce unnecessary prompting and file uploads, and how to build environmental awareness into research workflows. By the end of the session, participants will have a better understanding of the environmental costs and trade-offs of generative AI, and a practical set of principles for using AI in ways that support thoughtful, proportionate and net-zero aligned research practice.
About the presenter:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
This event is open to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from ERA partners and final-stage doctoral researchers and postdoctoral researchers from UK universities (non-ERA partners).
Booking Link: Using Generative AI Responsibly: Environmental Impacts, Net Zero and Research Practice – Fill out form , contact n.p.radford@lboro.ac.uk
ERA will contact you by email if they need further information or if they are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.