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 cohort programme for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in Earth System and Planetary Science. We support you in moving from ad-hoc generative AI usage to a personal and 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 | advanced applications in Module 2 depend on project focus | Kick-off April 27th, 2026
Overview Geo.X Young AI Academy
Through the Academy, you will develop
- 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.
- Core competence in AI, effective communication and automation for research tasks.
- A peer network across Geo.X institutions for continued exchange and collaboration.
These competences, 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 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 usage 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 is comprised of four one-day in-person courses, bi-weekly online check-ins, 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 half reflects what the cohort actually needs. This module is comprised of expert input for subprojects, a farewell event including project presentations and bi-weekly online check-ins. We also encourage and support you to share your knowledge in your working group and institute if this is something for you..
Timeline Cohort I - Module I
Course title and content are subject to change, given the dynamic development of the AI world
Kick-off Course Geo.X Young AI Academy, April 27th
One-day in-person meeting, Berlin
Content: Introduction to the Academy & AI fundamentals: how GAI works, capabilities/limits and ethics/legal guidelines
Community Check-ins I & II
1 h online meeting
Course: How to talk to generative AI & custom assistants
One-day in-person meeting
Community Check-ins III & IV
1 h online meeting
Course: Scientific AI Routines & planning Module 2
One-day in-person meeting
Community Check-in V
1 h online meeting
Community Check-in VI
1 h online meeting
Course: Automation & AI Agents
One-day in-person meeting