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Part of the 'Blueprint' trajectory on AI for professionals in higher education

The Basics of Generative AI: How do Tools like ChatGPT Work?

Do you sometimes use generative AI in your research or teaching, but feel (somewhat) insecure about it? Are you unsure how tools like ChatGPT or Copilot really work and what behavior to expect from them? And most importantly: are you looking for a stable framework to better understand these AI models both intuitively and technically?

Practical information:

2.5 hours
Your choice (in-company)
Mixed Dutch & English
Target audience: research and teaching staff

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  • Prerequisites: No prior knowledge required
  • Price: to be discussed with the teacher
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Do you sometimes use generative AI in your research or teaching, but feel (somewhat) insecure about it? Are you unsure how tools like ChatGPT or Copilot really work and what behavior to expect from them? And most importantly: are you looking for a stable framework to better understand these AI models both intuitively and technically?

This interactive lecture provides a strong foundation. You’ll be introduced to the basics of GenAI, such as the underlying methods and workings, and the possibilities and pitfalls. Furthermore, you’ll explore important subtopics such as human alignment and multilingual applications.


(This session had a different title before: "Understanding Large Language Models and Their Behavior". The contents of the session have not changed!)

Teacher / speaker

Pieter Fivez

Pieter Fivez holds a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Antwerp, focusing on machine learning of semantic representations of biomedical text. He currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Antwerp, where he coordinates the Antwerp Text Mining Centre (TEXTUA).

Learning Trajectory on Generative AI for Professionals in Higher Education

This is a suggestion for a learning trajectory on generative AI, targeted at professionals working in higher education (e.g., researchers, lecturers, administrative and technical staff, policymakers). The learning modules were carefully selected by VAIA to create a holistic and realistic starting point for educating this target group on GenAI. This trajectory gets updated regularly!

Fundamental concepts of multi-omics data integration

2 October 2026

Opleiding - Leuven - Genomics Core Leuven

Computing on Encrypted Data in the Age of AI

16 October 2026

Summit - Leuven - KU Leuven