Transversal Competences with AI: Training Implications and Faculty Development Perspectives

This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of including a transversal skills course on Artificial Intelligence in an academic development programme for doctoral students at the University of Bari. The course, designed to develop advanced digital skills and ethical reflection, provided a basis for integrating tech-nical knowledge with analytical skills for the responsible use of AI in both aca-demic and professional settings. Its main objective was to enable graduate and postgraduate students to understand the tools needed to address the complex chal-lenges posed by artificial intelligence and to reflect on the responsible, conscious and ethical use of such technologies in their own fields and research paths from a human-centered perspective. Data collected from surveys and feedback from participants indicate a good level of satisfaction and a significant impact on students’ research projects. The analysis shows the importance of interdisciplinary courses that promote criti-cal thinking, collaboration and ethical awareness. Findings and recommendations for future course design are presented, highlighting the need to integrate such pedagogies into higher education curricula. The article uses a detailed analysis of the teaching methods used and the feedback collected from participants to assess the impact of the course on the research skills of doctoral students. It discusses the teaching methods, the results achieved and the challenges faced in integrating this course into the university curriculum. It also reflects on the role of AI in the future of scientific research, highlighting how AI can be an effective tool for innovation and progress in the contemporary research landscape.