The Bioinformatics and Analytics Research Collaborative (BARC) will host a seminar on using AI in research at UNC entitled: Meet your UNC AI. The seminar will be held from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday 10/19/2026 in 3116 MEJ.
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The seminar will include the following sessions:
- 9:00 a.m. to 09:25 a.m. — ABC’s of AI.
We will introduce practical ways that AI can support research using examples and case studies from different scientific disciplines. We will also explain commonly used AI terminology and distinguish among tools and concepts such as large language models, chatbots, APIs, and agentic AI systems. - 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m — AI at UNC
This session will provide an overview of AI resources available at UNC, including PromptLab, Microsoft Copilot, APIs, command-line tools, and cloud-based environments such as Azure. We will discuss how to request access, configure API keys, select appropriate models, understand usage and token limits, and determine which tools are appropriate for different research tasks.
We will also review important data-security considerations, including what types of research information may or may not be shared with each resource, under current guidelines. - 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. — Coding with AI
This introductory session will demonstrate how AI tools can assist with writing, reviewing, debugging, and improving code. Topics will include choosing appropriate models, managing context and token limits, following effective coding practices, and understanding when researchers should remain directly involved in reviewing and validating AI-generated work. - 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. – Guardrails/limitations for your AI and how to build robustly
What data should or shouldn’t be shared with AI, where should it have access or not have access to, and some other concerns. When to trust it, where to be cautious of it’s answers.
To register for this event please complete this form. This form will be closed if room capacity has been reached.