AI and Creativity Training: Learning New Ways to Amplify Inclusive Research
- Lorraine Lawrence
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
I am Lorraine Lawrence, one of the EDI Workstream researchers on the UPTURN project. Capacity building and training is a key objective of our work. As part of this, I attended the Creative Tools and AI Training Series, which took place over 3 weeks from May to June 2025. These sessions gave me fresh ways to think about sharing research more effectively, blending creativity, strategy, and technology. Over the course of several workshops, I explored practical approaches to storytelling, marketing, and the use of AI to enhance communication and visibility.
The series began with the ‘Creative Tools Workshop,’ which highlighted the power of video as a storytelling medium. I learned how to structure research into accessible narratives, plan production realistically, and consider how to reach wider audiences through social media, institutional websites, and public events. I came away with the understanding that video is not just about visuals, it’s about creating connections through compelling stories.
The next session, ‘Marketing Tools for Academics,’ focused on how researchers can build a personal or project brand and increase visibility. With limited time and resources in mind, I was introduced to low-cost digital tools such as Canva and Gamma, along with practical strategies for tailoring messages to different audiences, whether peers, policymakers, funders, or the public.
The series also included two AI-focused sessions, which showed me the role generative AI can play in supporting research communication and development. The first demonstrated how AI can assist with brainstorming research questions, summarising literature, and creating presentations. The second explored more creative applications, such as simplifying complex ideas, repurposing research into blogs or infographics, and streamlining outreach across multiple platforms.
What stood out most for me were the hands-on demonstrations and interactive exercises. These helped translate theory into practice, whether through crisis communication role-plays, conflict resolution workshops, or feedback delivery exercises. They gave me tools I could apply immediately in real professional settings.
By the end of the series, I felt more confident and clearer in my approach to communication, with practical strategies to maximise the reach and impact of our research. Most importantly, I saw how storytelling, marketing, and AI tools can transform the way research is shared, by making it more engaging, accessible, and meaningful to diverse audiences.
For a full overview of the training, please visit the YouTube link below. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain additional insights that complement the material shared in this blog.
Author:
Lorraine Lawrence
Community Researcher (UPTURN)
Department of Health Science,
University of York
