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Geo.X Young AI Academy - Generative AI for Earth System and Planetary Science
From ad-hoc AI use to a research-aligned AI practice
The Geo.X Young AI Academy – Generative AI for Earth System and Planetary Science is a 10-month programme for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in Earth System and Planetary Science. We support you in moving from ad hoc generative AI use to an individual, structured integration in your scientific workflows, grounded in critical evaluation, ethics, and responsible practice.
Join our first cohort, now! Apply here
Quick facts: 10-month programme, two modules | ~2–4 hours/week | no coding required for Module 1 | coding skills in Module 2 depend on the project focus you choose, ranging from no experience to advanced programming | Kick-off 27th April 2026
Overview Geo.X Young AI Academy
Through the Academy, you will develop
- Core competence in GAI, effective communication with GAI and automation for research tasks.
- The ability to reflect and decide when GAI usage is appropriate and when not.
- The ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs and their appropriate use.
- The capacity for ethical, lawful, and responsible AI use in the academic context.
- A like-minded peer network across Geo.X institutions for continued exchange and collaboration.
These core competences, which we want to develop, are inspired by and follow the AI Fluency “4Ds” framework (delegation, discernment, diligence, description).
At the end, you will leave the Academy with
- A documented, research-aligned (G)AI integration roadmap (your “what I do / what I don’t do / why” for your own workflow).
- An evaluated small-group project connected to your research, with documented outputs (e.g., workflows, white papers, or publication-oriented material).
- A certificate of participation upon successful completion.
Why we offer the Academy
Generative AI is rapidly becoming part of scientific work. But how can it be used responsibly, effectively, and with real benefit to research? This Academy is designed not just to introduce tools, but to strengthen your capacity to make informed, strategic, and responsible decisions about generative AI in your research.
How the 10 months are structured
In our 10-month cohort (2×5-month modules) programme, we support doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in moving from ad hoc GAI tool use to a personal, structured, and research-aligned integration.
Module 1 — Generative AI for Scientific Workflows
Foundations + practice: how GAI works, limitations, ethical implications, practical integration into scientific workflows via AI assistants, tools, and agents, and critical usage and evaluation of AI outputs. This module comprises four one-day in-person courses, bi-weekly online check-ins, and selected expert talks.
Module 2 — Advanced (G)AI Applications in Research
We conduct expert-guided small-group projects connected to your research. Module 2 stays intentionally open: we develop topics and subgroup projects together during Module 1, so the second Module reflects what the cohort actually needs. This module comprises expert input for subprojects, bi-weekly online check-ins, and a farewell event including project presentations. We also encourage and support you in sharing your knowledge in your working group and institute.