HSE University to Reward Students Who Write Their Thesis Using AI
HSE University has launched a competition for solutions using artificial intelligence technology in theses work. The goal of the competition is to evaluate how students use tools based on generative models in their 2024 graduation theses (GT).
Students of all bachelor's and master's programmes at HSE University will be able to demonstrate their skills in using neural networks to solve complex problems. The authors of GT will have to describe in detail which AI tools were used in their work, what tasks were set and whether they were solved.
For most students, the use of artificial intelligence is already part of the educational process. According to a recent survey of the HSE University Online Campus, almost 43% of students already use AI in their work: 56% use it to prepare reports, 33% employ it for summaries, and 29% use it for essays.
HSE University Vice Rector Sergey Roshchin notes that the university is continuously interacting with generative models in the educational process, and is convinced that these opportunities can and should be used.
Sergey Roshchin
‘Artificial intelligence and generative models are new tools that open up multiple opportunities for solving analytical and creative problems. A modern specialist should master these tools and develop skills in the sphere of artificial intelligence along with expertise in their subject area. We can say that, in the near future, a modern specialist should be able to "count, read, write, and draw" with the help of artificial intelligence; this is becoming part of the professional skills set. And this applies to all areas of education. Our university is currently developing various forms of education in partnership with artificial intelligence. This is implemented both in teaching disciplines that train students to work with the capabilities of artificial intelligence, and in encouraging and teaching its use in students’ projects and theses.’
The theses will be assessed by an expert commission consisting of teachers and researchers from HSE University. The decision will be based on various criteria, including the level and complexity of the problems being solved, as well as the ethics and practicability of using AI.
Three competition winners will receive scholarships (if they continue their studies in master's or doctoral programmes) and will have the option to take part in intensive courses on artificial intelligence at the expense of the university.
More information about the competition can be found here (in Russian).