Upskilling in AI

Training and skills development have always been central to the mission of the National Mouse Genetics Network (NMGN) as we strive to create the next generation of preclinical in vivo modelling experts. Accelerating advances in the modelling of human disease and downstream development of treatments is a core objective of the NMGN and an essential component of the MRC mission. With the rapid evolution of tools in artificial intelligence (AI), biologists and geneticists are now compelled to re-think the way we engage with data – creating an urgent need for upskilling researchers in this area. For these reasons, early this year, we launched the NMGN AI Training Bursary Scheme, a scheme designed to support members in attending AI-focused training courses.

Network members applied for competitive bursaries to attend an AI training course of their choice, with a particular focus on core AI skills, such as Python programming, machine learning, and data handling, as well as machine learning for image analysis. In partnership with the Data Science facility in the York Biosciences Technology Facility, we also developed a custom 2-day in-person workshop entitled, “AI & Machine Learning: From Theory to Practice”, where the first day established a robust theoretical and contextual foundation and the second day focused on practical application, guiding participants through the complete machine learning workflow and challenging them with hands-on coding exercises.

In total, 53 bursaries were awarded across a range of roles and career stages, supporting access to training in AI, machine learning, and the use of large language models (LLMs). Bursary recipients were uniformly positive about the opportunities and survey respondents said that the training not only increased their confidence in using AI tools, but importantly would lead to improved research methods and improved data analysis:

A PhD student at the University of York, who attended the AI & Machine Learning: From Theory to Practice course: “This training helped outline potential steps I could take in my analysis, and got me in touch with academics that would be willing to collaborate on such work.”

An NMGN project manager, who attended an AI Project Professional course from the Institute of Project Management: “The two-day training course I attended gave me plenty of opportunities to start using AI tools and discuss outputs with the other course participants. I have since set up certain tools and use them multiple times a week.”