The Struggling Scientists

Episode 76: Academic Writing in the Time of AI, with Prof. Lennart Nacke

The Struggling Scientists

Show Notes

In this episode of the Struggling Scientists podcast, we dive into the world of academic writing in the era of artificial intelligence. Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron as they talk to Prof. Lennart Nacke, a pioneering figure in user experience, human-computer interaction, and game design at the University of Waterloo.

Lennart, with an impressive portfolio of over 200 papers and 30,000 citations, shares invaluable insights on the evolution of writing practices amidst the rapid integration of AI. From enhancing research methodologies to reshaping publication strategies, this conversation sheds light on how academics can harness AI tools to elevate their writing and research outcomes.

🎧 Tune in to explore:

- The role of mindset in embracing AI as an assistant in academic writing. - Ethical considerations and best practices for utilizing AI tools. - The future of academic publishing with AI integration. - Practical advice for PhD students and early career researchers navigating AI in their work. Don't miss this episode full of expert dialogue, personal anecdotes, and forward-thinking perspectives on the intersection of AI and academic writing.

👉 Subscribe to the Struggling Scientists podcast for more insightful discussions on the cutting edge of science and technology.

📩 Stay Connected: Visit thestrugglingscientists.com for more information and to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest updates.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

More from The Struggling Scientists

Oct 15, 2026

Leaving academia can be intimidating. You've spent years training as a researcher, but what jobs can you actually do outside academia? And how do you even get started? 🎓

Sep 21, 2026

ResearchRabbit gives researchers a different way to explore scientific literature by visualising the connections between papers, citations and authors. 🐇🔎

Jul 15, 2026

SciSpace has become much more than a tool for chatting with PDFs. In this episode of the PhD Toolkit, we put it through a real research workflow to find out whether it actually deserves a place in your research toolkit.

May 25, 2026

Learn how to apply the core ideas from Deep Work by Cal Newport to your life as a PhD student, postdoc, or early-career researcher. In this episode, we break down what Deep Work actually is, why shallow work can take over your best energy, and how to use the four Deep Work methods: monastic, bimodal, rhythmic, and journalistic. If you want to protect more focused time for writing, reading, analysis, or research thinking, this episode will help you choose the Deep Work method that fits your academic life best.

May 7, 2026

AI is already being used in academic research, and some of it is going very wrong.

See all episodes →