ChatGPT as a Physicist’s Cognitive Assistant

by Prof. Girish Kulkarni (TIFR, Mumbai)

Tuesday 4 Mar 2025, 16:00 → 17:30 Asia/Kolkata

AG (69)

Recent breakthroughs in generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, have sparked both excitement and debate within academia. While AI is increasingly employed in physics research through sophisticated machine learning techniques, there is a parallel revolution in how researchers interact with AI as a cognitive assistant. In this talk, I will explore the evolving role of generative AI in the daily workflow of a physicist, focusing on three key domains: research, teaching, and academic administration. I will discuss how ChatGPT can facilitate literature reviews, assist in conceptual explorations, and aid in programming and symbolic manipulations. In the realm of teaching, I will examine its potential as a pedagogical tool for lecture preparation, problem-solving, and student engagement. Lastly, I will touch upon its practical utility in drafting scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and institutional correspondence. Rather than an authoritative technical exposition, this talk will be a reflection on the opportunities and challenges of integrating generative AI into the academic ecosystem. Drawing from personal experience as an early adopter, I will present concrete use cases, discuss ethical considerations, and invite a broader conversation on the future of AI in physics while also highlighting its limitations and the risks of over-reliance.