Invited Talk: “Responsible Research – A Guide to Doing It Right – Dr. Rajesh R

 Invited Talk:

 “Responsible Research—A Guide to Doing It Right

29th July 2025 | Seminar Hall, SOCS

The School of Computer Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, organized a thought-provoking and intellectually enriching invited talk titled “Responsible Research—A Guide to Doing It Right” on 29th July 2025 at 3:00 PM. The session was conducted in the department seminar hall and was attended by MSc students and research scholars from the School of Computer Sciences.

Dr. Rajesh R, Professor, Department of Computer Science, Central University of Kerala

The resource person for the session was Dr. Rajesh R, a distinguished professor from the Department of Computer Science, Central University of Kerala. The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Jyothisha J Nair, who introduced the speaker and highlighted the importance of ethical practices in research, setting the tone for the session.

In his address, Dr. Rajesh R emphasized the vital role of responsibility and integrity in the research process. He discussed how ethical lapses and over-dependence on automated tools can adversely affect the quality and credibility of academic work. His talk provided a clear roadmap for students and budding researchers to follow a more accountable, original, and meaningful path in their academic journey.

One of the most engaging parts of the session was the hands-on demonstration involving ChatGPT. Dr. Rajesh showcased how modern AI tools are increasingly being used in research and academic writing. However, he was quick to point out the potential pitfalls of blind reliance on such technologies. He presented live examples of logical inconsistencies and calculation errors generated by ChatGPT, highlighting the importance of human oversight, verification, and critical thinking.

He further cautioned that while AI tools are powerful aids, they should not become substitutes for genuine understanding, reasoning, and originality. He encouraged the students to develop and trust their own analytical capabilities rather than allowing tools to dictate their thought process. His remarks served as a timely reminder in the current digital age, where convenience often overshadows intellectual effort.

ChatGPT is encountering an error during large-scale calculations

The session concluded with an interactive open discussion, where students raised pertinent questions related to research practices. Topics discussed included how to identify authentic and peer-reviewed journals, evaluating the credibility of published articles, and tips on differentiating genuine scholarly sources from predatory or misleading ones. Dr. Rajesh patiently addressed each query, offering valuable insights and practical tips drawn from his academic experience.

The talk was widely appreciated by all attendees. Students found the session to be extremely informative, motivating, and eye-opening, as it not only broadened their understanding of responsible research but also challenged them to think more deeply about the tools and methods they use.

This invited talk proved to be a significant learning opportunity and served as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with the pursuit of knowledge.