The launch of Library Research Week 2026

“AI-augmented science is the new scientific method that every researcher must embrace in the current technology-driven age,” argued Professor Francesco Petruccione. The Stellenbosch University (SU) Pro Vice-Chancellor for Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies was speaking as a guest during the launch of the Library Research Week, an annual event aimed at empowering emerging researchers.

The hybrid launch event, which took place at the SU Library auditorium and via MS Teams, was opened by Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation.

In his keynote address, “The New Scientific Method: Navigating Research in the Age of AI and Quantum Technologies”, Professor Petruccione argued that as the “Fifth Paradigm” of science, AI plays a mediating role where computational systems act as active participants in the research process. This new scientific method expands beyond mere number crunching; AI now assists in formulating complex questions, generating vast landscapes of hypotheses, and accelerating technical tasks like coding. He further emphasised that “the question is whether AI has become an instrument that acts on the cognitive structure of research itself.” Consequently, the scientist’s role is shifting from a hands-on artisan to an “architect” responsible for designing and directing trustworthy discovery systems. Petruccione warned that while this can accelerate breakthroughs, it also risks “epistemic pollution” and the exponential scaling of mediocre science if human judgment is outsourced to machines. He consequently emphasised that “the common feature (in future research) is not full autonomy, but the redistribution of exploratory labour between human and machine.”

To navigate this landscape, researchers are encouraged to use AI as a “sparring partner” for brainstorming while prioritising the mastery of discipline fundamentals to critically evaluate automated outputs. Maintaining provenance – a verifiable record of model versions, prompts, and data sources – is crucial for protecting the integrity of the scientific record. For universities, Petruccione proposed structural changes, such as rethinking student assessment by favouring oral exams (vivas) over easily automated take-home essays.

Prof. Petruccione also warned against the “Matthew Effect,” the risk that the immense costs of AI infrastructure will allow wealthy nations to pull further ahead, widening the global research gap. He called for investment in “sovereign compute” – independent, local supercomputing infrastructure – to ensure that African institutions control their own research data and tools. By networking and pooling resources through collaborative consortia, he argued that Africa can remain an active co-author of scientific breakthroughs rather than a passive consumer of foreign technology.

A Week of Tactical Insights

Following the launch, the online webinar series provided researchers with a comprehensive “tactical playbook” across several key pillars:

  • Ethical AI & Scholarly Writing: Sessions addressed the practicalities of integrating generative AI into literature reviews responsibly, understanding Large Language Models (LLMs), and maintaining the academic authorship contract. Prof. Leslie Swartz also delivered a vital session on transitioning a thesis into a publication.
  • Methodological Tools: Participants received technical, hands-on guidance for essential research tools, including REDCap for secure data capture, ATLAS.ti for qualitative analysis, and EndNote for reference management.
  • Compliance & Data Integrity: Key presentations focused on institutional Research Data Management (RDM) compliance, focusing on SU-specific platforms such as SunDMP for data management planning and SUNScholarData for FAIR-compliant sharing.
  • Researcher Wellbeing: Concluding the week, a specialised session addressed academic burnout by exploring “Interoceptive Mismatch” — the neurological conflict between a highly stressed brain and a sedentary body — offering practical cognitive restoration strategies.

Access the recordings

If you missed any of the sessions, or want to revisit the insights shared by our expert presenters, the recordings are available online on our YouTube channel.

To watch the Presentations: via the official Library Research Week 2026 YouTube Playlist

Enquiries: Kirchner van Deventer