Workshop
All you need to know on searching with open databases and AI
- Date
- Thursday 27 August 2026
- Time
- Address
-
Gorlaeus Building
Einsteinweg 55
2333 CC Leiden - Room
- CM.1.26
The ways researchers search for, disseminate and use scientific information are changing rapidly. Open Science is at the heart of this transformation, enabling the reuse of academic publications and metadata in new ways. As a result, open alternatives to subscription databases such as Web of Science and Scopus have emerged, alongside a growing number of AI-powered tools designed to support literature searching. But how well do these tools fit into researchers’ workflows?
During this interactive consultation and workshop, Rutger de Jong (Subject Librarian Science, Leiden University Libraries) and Ludo Waltman (Open Science Ambassador Academia in Motion, CWTS) will introduce participants to the latest developments in open databases and AI-assisted literature searching.
Who should attend?
- Researchers who conduct literature searches or systematic reviews
- PhD candidates (participation qualifies for 6 Graduate School training hours)
What to expect
Participants will first be invited to complete a short questionnaire about their current literature-search practices. The workshop will then explore tools, methods and questions that emerge from these responses.
Topics include:
- The advantages of open databases such as OpenAlex and OpenAIRE
- The current state of AI-powered literature search tools
- Legal aspects of using open information
- A hands-on session on redesigning your search strategy
- Discussion and exchange of experiences and best practices
Why attend?
Literature searching is evolving quickly, creating new opportunities at the intersection of Open Science, open databases and artificial intelligence. This workshop will help participants stay up to date with emerging tools and practices, while also contributing to university-wide discussions on the future of literature discovery and research support.