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Training Workshop: Generative AI

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About this event

What to expect

Generative AI is revolutionising how machines create content — from synthetic text and realistic images to novel molecular structures and protein designs. This half-day training workshop, delivered by the Cambridge Accelerate Programme, offers postgraduate students and research staff a comprehensive introduction to the foundational concepts and cutting-edge architectures powering today's generative systems.

What You'll Learn

This workshop covers the essential building blocks of generative AI, providing participants with practical understanding of four major model architectures:

  • Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) — learn how adversarial training creates realistic synthetic data
  • Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) — explore probabilistic approaches to learning latent representations
  • Transformers — understand the architecture behind ChatGPT and modern language models
  • Diffusion Models — discover how iterative denoising generates high-quality images and beyond

The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with real-world applications across diverse scientific domains. You'll see how these models are being deployed in drug discovery, materials science, creative applications, and research workflows — providing context for how generative AI can accelerate your own work.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for University of Cambridge postgraduate students and research staff who want to understand the fundamentals of generative AI. Whether you're exploring how these tools might enhance your research, considering applying machine learning to your domain, or simply curious about the technology transforming scientific workflows, this session provides accessible entry points to complex topics.

No prior deep learning experience is assumed, though basic familiarity with machine learning concepts will help you get the most from the technical content. The workshop format encourages questions and discussion, making it ideal for those taking their first steps into generative AI.

Workshop Format

Running from 09:30 to 13:00, this intensive morning session combines conceptual explanations with architectural deep-dives and application examples. The Accelerate Programme's teaching approach focuses on building intuition around how these models work, why different architectures suit different tasks, and what practical considerations matter when deploying generative sy

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