💡 How can scientists move beyond generic AI prompts to design workflows that are faster, smarter, and more impactful?
In this episode of Science with Impact, we sit down with Dr. Lennart Nacke, University Research Chair and Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Nacke shares his journey from engineering and game design to academic entrepreneurship, highlighting how AI can transform the way scientists write, publish, and share their work.
The conversation dives into the broken incentives of traditional publishing, the rise of alternative models, and the growing importance of social media in science communication. Dr. Nacke also introduces the concept of context engineering—designing AI prompts with audience, purpose, and constraints in mind—to help researchers generate more accurate, useful outputs.
Whether you’re a PhD student struggling with academic writing, a mentor guiding trainees, or a researcher curious about responsible AI use, this episode offers practical insights into boosting both productivity and impact.
🤔 Who is this for?
Scientists and PhD students looking for practical, responsible ways to integrate AI into their research and writing.
Research mentors and educators aiming to strengthen students’ communication skills and prepare them for the realities of publishing.
STEM professionals and academics curious about entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the future of publishing and peer review in the AI era.
📋 What is it about?
Lennart shares how he integrates AI into the academic workflow—from prompt design to literature reviews—while avoiding pitfalls like hallucinations and plagiarism. He reflects on why publishing incentives are broken, how conferences and open platforms could play a greater role, and why every scientist should think like both a communicator and an entrepreneur.
🔑 Key Takeaway: AI isn’t replacing scientists—it’s amplifying them. With better prompts, clear context, and critical thinking, researchers can cut through noise, speed up their workflow, and share science that resonates far beyond academia.
⌚️ Time Stamps
00:00 Welcome to Science with Impact
00:49 Meet Dr. Leonard Nakey
01:19 The Importance of Effective Workflow
02:23 Waterloo: A Hub of Innovation
03:00 Connecting Through LinkedIn
04:00 Journey into Academic Entrepreneurship
06:31 The Role of AI in Academic Writing
17:58 The Future of Academic Publishing
28:42 The Role of PhDs in Advancing Knowledge
29:08 Incentivizing Quality and Accessibility in Research
31:21 Leveraging AI for Research Efficiency
32:00 Effective AI Prompt Engineering
33:44 Avoiding AI Hallucinations and Ensuring Accuracy
40:39 Navigating Plagiarism Concerns with AI
44:49 Building a Research Knowledge Base
46:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
📣 Guest
Dr. Lennart Nacke | University Research Chair, Professor of HCI and Director of the HCI Games Group at the University of Waterloo’s Games Institute
Free Mind Maps on Research Methods
🎙️ Host
Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D., is the founder of Science with Impact, where we partner with research organizations to translate STEM advancements into measurable societal benefits beyond academia.
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