Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the academic research landscape. We can expect even more profound changes in the way researchers approach their work in the future, thanks to AI's capabilities.

One significant change is AI's ability to analyze massive amounts of data quickly and accurately. This will enable researchers to identify previously hidden patterns and relationships, leading to new insights and discoveries. Furthermore, AI can help with tasks like literature reviews and data collection, giving researchers more time to focus on higher-level analysis and interpretation.

Another significant change is the development of AI-driven research assistants, which can help researchers plan experiments, identify potential sources of bias, and make more accurate predictions about the outcomes of their work. This will almost certainly result in more efficient and effective research processes, as well as more reliable outcomes.

Finally, AI has the potential to open up new lines of inquiry by allowing researchers to ask previously unanswerable questions. Machine learning algorithms, for example, can be used to analyze complex systems and predict their behaviour, allowing researchers to investigate the inner workings of these systems in novel ways.

Overall, the future of academic research utilizing AI is promising, with the potential for significant advances in our understanding of the universe.

Princewill Ikpeka 

(23-02-2023)

Last semester (winter 2022), I taught an Engineering-in-Practice course to Foundation-year Engineering students at Teesside University. The course involved conducting seminars and laboratory experiments on four renewable energy - Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Hydro, and Wind Energy. In my classes, I usually encourage lively discussions about science and its applications. In a particular session, the conversation tilted towards robots replacing the need for lecturers/academic tutors. And this really got me thinking, and I would like to share some of my findings with you. Here are some of the reasons why robots/AI may not be able to replace actual human lecturers.

1. In a typical academic class, the teacher interacts with the students and is able to understand verbal and non-verbal clues that show understanding or otherwise. This usually involves some level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion. For now, robots and artificial intelligence (AI) do not have the ability to understand and respond to complex emotions and social dynamics, which is required for effective teaching.

2. Secondly, teaching requires creativity, improvisation, and adaptability, all of which are uniquely human abilities that machines cannot replicate yet. The key word is "yet" because advances in AI may be able to match human-level creativity by combining various data-driven teaching techniques.

3. Thirdly, not all students learn the same way. To meet the unique needs of individual students, teaching must be personalized. While AI can make data-driven recommendations, it cannot replace a human teacher's intuition and experience in tailoring instruction to each student's needs.

4. Another key reason why AI may not be able to replace lecturers is that some subjects require an understanding of cultural norms, values, and traditions, which are complex and context-specific and cannot be learned by machines. For example, explaining the roles of prominent characters in a history class requires an understanding of the local cultures at the time of the events.

Finally, while AI can be a useful tool for improving teaching and learning, it has limitations and cannot replace the nuanced, complex, and holistic role of teachers. Some of my best memories were inspired by teachers. Being in academia for over 8years, I realized that teaching entails motivating and inspiring students to learn, which necessitates human enthusiasm and inspiration. These cannot be matched by AI/robots.

Princewill Ikpeka 

(20-02-2023)

While Ph.D. degrees have traditionally been associated with academic careers, there are many opportunities for Ph.D. holders to thrive in non-academic sectors. Indeed, skills learned through a Ph.D. program, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, are highly valued in a variety of industries.

The private sector is one area where Ph.D. holders can excel. Many companies seek advanced degree holders to work in research and development, innovation, and technology. Ph.D. holders can also work in consulting, finance, and data analysis, where they can use their analytical and problem-solving abilities to assist organizations in making sound decisions.

Entrepreneurship is another option for Ph.D. holders. Ph.D. holders can identify market gaps and develop innovative solutions to fill them due to their extensive knowledge of a specific field. They can also use their research abilities to create new products or technologies.

Furthermore, the non-profit and government sectors provide opportunities for Ph.D. holders. They can help to address complex social and environmental issues by working in policy development, research, or program evaluation. Ph.D. holders can also use their expertise to work in think tanks, research organizations, or foundations, advancing knowledge and making a positive social impact.

Ph.D. holders need to expand their skill set beyond their research specialization in order to prosper outside of academia. They must develop networks, learn how to adapt to new surroundings, and learn how to successfully communicate their knowledge to various audiences. They might also need to learn how to sell their abilities and concepts and develop business acumen.

Finally, Ph.D. holders can succeed in a variety of fields outside of academia. The business, nonprofit, and public sectors place a high value on their knowledge and experience. Ph.D. holders can pursue rewarding occupations while also making major contributions to society with the correct mindset and abilities.

Princewill Ikpeka 

(18-02-2023)

In September 2019, I attended the Offshore Europe conference organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Aberdeen, Scotland (UK).  The trajectory of my Ph.D. research was changed by the interactions I had during the conference. At the conference, I participated in several presentations, discussions, and break-out meetings, and one thing stood out to me: individuals with Ph.D. exhibited more openness to criticism of their work. This might seem negligible but in today's world, the ability to critique your own work is vital to anyone attempting to advance science!

I am not surprised that Ph.D. is fast becoming an essential qualification for pursuing a successful career in research. The reasons for this trend are numerous, including the growing demand for highly specialized skills, the increasing competitiveness of the job market, and the need for researchers to generate new knowledge and innovation.

A Ph.D. program provides comprehensive education and training that prepares a researcher for the challenges of conducting original research. The program equips individuals with skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving, which are essential for conducting rigorous research. Moreover, the ability to design and execute experiments, analyze results, and interpret findings are key skills that can only be acquired through a Ph.D. program.

In addition, Ph.D. holders are expected to generate new knowledge and contribute to the advancement of their fields through original research. They are expected to design and execute experiments that generate new insights, publish research papers, and make presentations at conferences. These activities require a level of expertise and depth of knowledge that can only be achieved through a Ph.D. program.

In conclusion, a Ph.D. provides vital training for anyone pursuing a career in research and many employers are increasingly requiring Ph.D. qualifications for research positions. The program provides the necessary training, skills, and knowledge to conduct original research, and is now a minimum requirement for many research roles.

Princewill Ikpeka 

(17-02-2023)