Doctoral students are equipped for the research of the future
How does the role of the researcher change when AI becomes an increasingly important tool in research? And what skills do the researchers of the future need? These were some of the questions when doctoral students from IRS TransTech gathered for three days of training at Mid Sweden University.
Becoming a researcher is about more than immersing yourself in your own research area. It is also about building networks, developing your skills and preparing for a future research career. During 3–5 November, doctoral students in IRS TransTech and IRS TransTech+ had the opportunity to work on these very issues.
Through interactive workshops, exchange of experience and joint discussions, the focus was on the role of the researcher and how it may change. An important part was to explore how AI affects the way research works and what new skills will be important in the future. But also to consider which tasks and skills may become less important when the technology develops.
A changing research role
"AI is changing the way we conduct research and the skills needed, which is why it is important to equip doctoral students for a changing research role," says Mattias O'Nils, centre director of the STC Research Centre and project manager for the graduate school.
Meeting doctoral students from other universities and research areas is also an important part of the graduate school. Shivang Parma, a doctoral student at Mid Sweden University with a connection to the Universidad Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain, particularly appreciates the opportunity to get to know the other doctoral students and gain insight into their research.
"It's rewarding to think outside the box and discuss together. Building relationships and collaborations opens many doors and provides new perspectives. I also really like the interactive elements," he says.
Chrislaura Carmo, a doctoral student at Mid Sweden University who is affiliated with the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, also highlights the value of meeting other subject perspectives.
"I come from the field of chemistry, so it's very interesting to take part in other perspectives. I'm learning a lot and there's a very positive atmosphere in the group. The discussions about AI and how the technology will affect research are particularly important," she says.
International graduate school with industry in focus
IRS TransTech (International Research School in Transformative Technology) is Mid Sweden University's international graduate school in transformative technology. It started in 2023 and is run in collaboration between the FSCN, STC and STRC research centers as well as international universities and industry partners.
The research is linked to industrial transformation and the development of AI, digital technology, advanced materials and new processes, among other things. Through IRS TransTech+, the initiative has been expanded with more international collaborations and doctoral students.