Who is this AI course for?
This online course empowers research communicators in any organisation—not just think tanks, NGOs, or research institutes—to harness the potential of generative AI for more effective, ethical, and impactful communication. Whether you work in a university, private sector R&D, government, or any organisation where research communication matters, this course will help you boost productivity, navigate ethical challenges, and prepare for a future where AI is integral to communication workflows.
What will I learn?
In the coming years, the landscape of research communication is set to change dramatically. Generative AI is revolutionising how organisations create, share, and interpret research-based content. This course will help you stay ahead of the curve, showing you how to leverage AI to enhance your communication efforts while maintaining human oversight and navigating important ethical considerations.
This course is specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities generative AI presents for research communicators working in a variety of contexts. We’ll explore:
- AI fundamentals
- Practical applications of AI for individuals and teams
- Discuss the broader implications of increasing use of AI
You’ll see real-world examples and the latest research on how generative AI is being used (and misused) in research communication, and gain practical skills you can apply immediately in your own work.
Generative AI course overview
We’ve developed the course to be highly practical and collaborative, building skills through hands-on experimentation, live sessions with sharing of prompt strategies, examples, and demonstrations of the capabilities of AI tools. You’ll gain first-hand experience of how these technologies can be applied and be encouraged to apply learnings to your current work, making the content immediately relevant.
Whether you’re new to AI or have some experience, this generative AI course offers something for you. There are five modules in this course, starting with fundamentals to provide a foundational understanding of AI and its ethical considerations and then moving to practical applications and hands-on experience with AI tools tailored for research communications. We will equip you with immediately applicable skills and progressing to advanced applications and conversations around AI to prepare you for the evolving landscape of AI in research communications:
- What can generative AI do and why should it matter to you?
- Using generative AI ethically and responsibly
- You and generative AI, partnering on a task: five foundational steps
- Scaling generative AI: partnering with specialised AI assistants and software for common communications tasks and workflows
- Preparing for AI’s impact on your communications job – and your audiences’ expectations
If you’ve got questions about the course or want more information, please send us an email at [email protected].
Generative AI for Policy and Research Communicators
| Commitment: 2 hours per week | Duration: 5 weeks, starting 15th September 2025 |
| Price: £350 GBP (+VAT) | Study Mode: Tutor-guided, online learning |
Throughout the course, a module is opened each week on a Monday, including the study content and a practical exercise to be completed at your own pace. There are four live sessions you’ll need to join as part of this course, which will be run via Google Meets. These will run at:
Thu 18 Sep, 14:30-15:30 BST; 15:30-16:30 CEST; 09:30-10:30 EST
Thu 2 Oct, 14:30-15:30 BST; 15:30-16:30 CEST; 09:30-10:30 EST
Thu 16 Oct, 14:30-15:30 BST; 15:30-16:30 CEST; 09:30-10:30 EST
Thu 30 Oct, 14:30-15:30 BST; 15:30-16:30 CEST; 09:30-10:30 EST
Your instructor
Nick Scott
Nick Scott is a leading digital strategist, with over 20 years of experience transforming non-profits through innovative digital and AI initiatives. Nick has deep connections to the world of policy communications. He was a co-founder of WonkComms, a community of practice focused on transforming think tank communications efforts. As Head of Digital at UK think tank the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Nick’s work earned the European Digital Communications Strategy of the Year Award.
Since 2021 Nick has been a freelance consultant, working with organisations including The International Science Council, Greenpeace, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and more to harness the power of digital and AI and increase their impact. He introduced tens of thousands of people in the non-profit sector to the potential of generative AI through courses and webinars for a diverse range of clients and regular posts and content on LinkedIn covering AI developments, opportunities, and challenges for the sector.
Nick is also the Director of the Centre for Responsible Union AI, a project that seeks to help trade unions strategically harness ethical and worker-friendly digital and AI, building their power and relevance to build a more just world of work in the AI age.
Accessibility statement
If you require additional accommodations or encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us at [email protected].