Research in the Age of AI: SFSU Faculty Symposium

Author:
January 5, 2026

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, in partnership with the University Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Council and Academic Technology, invites you to participate in the Research in the Age of AI Symposium. This half-day event will bring together faculty from across campus to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the research landscape. All SFSU faculty are welcome, regardless of AI experience level — from curious beginners to experienced users.

Event Details

Date: February 20, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Location: J. Paul Leonard Library, Rooms 121 and 286

Registration Deadline: February 6 for presenters; February 13 for attendees

Program Highlights

Keynote Address: Dr. Gaurav Suri, Associate Professor of Psychology and author of The Emergent Mind: How Intelligence Arises in People and Machines

Ethics Panel: Join SFSU faculty for a critical discussion on research ethics in the age of AI

Parallel Research Sessions: Faculty “lightning talks” showcasing research on AI and research with AI

“Birds of a Feather” Lunch: Network with colleagues over facilitated discussions on AI research topics of mutual interest (disciplinary clusters, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning on AI, grant writing with AI, Institutional Review Board / ethics and AI, qualitative/quantitative methods, etc.)

Call for Proposals: Share Your Work

We are seeking 10-minute “lightning talks,” use cases or short workshops on the following:

Foundational AI Research: Research on artificial intelligence itself (algorithms, models, AI theory, evaluation frameworks)

AI-Enabled Research Methods: Using AI tools to facilitate your research process (data analysis, literature review, research project development, grant and manuscript writing, computational methods, visualization)

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning on AI: Research studies on effective integration in the classroom, developing AI literacy in students, ethical considerations, and pedagogical innovations to enhance learning outcomes; teaching research methods with AI

Presentation Formats Welcome

     • 10-minute research talks 

     • Hands-on tool demonstrations

     • Use case presentations

How to Participate

Submit a Proposal or Register to Attend

Why Attend?

    • Discover how colleagues across disciplines are leveraging AI in their research

    • Learn practical AI tools and methodologies applicable to your work

    • Engage with critical ethical questions surrounding AI in research

    • Build cross-disciplinary collaborations

    • Network over complimentary light breakfast and lunch

Important Note: This symposium focuses specifically on AI and research. While research on the utilization of AI in the teaching and learning process is encouraged, topics related to general pedagogy or classroom teaching should be reserved for CEETL's annual AI Symposium in May (https://ceetl.sfsu.edu/ceetls-second-annual-ai-symposium).

Questions? Contact Dr. Kate Hamel, Faculty Director for Research Engagement and Development: hamelk@sfsu.edu