AI Bootcamp XV - AI for Research

AI bootcamp XV is scheduled for June 1st to June 5th,  2026 in Resnick 120 ( on Monday, June 1st we use Resnick 110, but for the rest of the week we will use Resnick 110) . This one week course will cover how LLMs and Foundation models are transforming scientific research and introduces the participants  to multi-step, multi-agent, scientific problem solving using AI. 

What to Expect:

• Daily Structure: Each day will feature one to two lectures, complemented by two or more practical, hands-on sessions. We will also have short talks either by participants or other people describing their experience with using ML in streamlining and improving their research. 
• Topics Covered: Agents, RAG, Tool Calling, Using AI in different aspects of scientific research. 
  • How LLMs and Foundational Models impacting research
  • Using LLMs in multi stage scientific research
  • Agents, tool calling, and RAG
  • FM applications in science and scientific loops
• Objective: By the end of the bootcamp, researchers will be able to wire LLMs, retrieval systems, and agents into their research pipelines as programmable instruments — components they call and chain, not chatbots they prompt.

Certificates:  Participants who complete all hands-on assignments will receive a certificate. To be eligible, participants must attend all hands-on sessions and actively work on the assignments during class. If an assignment is not completed during the session, it may be submitted afterward; however, attendance and in-class participation are required.

Prerequisites: To get the most out of this bootcamp, familiarity with the following topics is required:

• Machine Learning Basics: Linear regression and classification, neural networks, ability to build and use models, and familiarity with frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Python Programming: including NumPy, Pandas, and one of the main ML frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Some sessions might assume familiarity with probability theory and linear algebra

How to Join the Bootcamp:

• Registration: Sign up using this link by May 28th, 2026. 
• Unlike other AI Bootcamps, no quiz is needed for this course
• Optional (but highly recommended): Email a short description of your background and research interests, and explain how you expect this bootcamp to support your work. If qualified applications exceed capacity, priority will be given to applicants who submit this statement.

Contact: 

• Bootcamp director Reza Sadri
• Administrative assistant: Caroline Murphy
• TAs:, Volkan Gurses, Manal Sultan, Vishal Yalla, Aditya Pillai, Sotiris (Soto) Catsoulis Ava Zarkesh

Deadline for Registration:  May 28th , 2026

Computing Resources: Hands-on sessions will primarily utilize Google Colab. Participants who need to use larger Colab instances for the hands on sessions will be reimbursed for up to 20 dollars.