Skip to content
Environment, Information Technology

AI could free up time to solve the world’s problems

Charles Darwin University 2 mins read

A Charles Darwin University (CDU) water expert who uses ChatGPT to analyse hydrological data in a fraction of time says Artificial Intelligence (AI) could allow researchers to dedicate more time to the world’s most pressing problems.

CDU groundwater hydrology expert Dr Dylan Irvine, alongside Dr Landon Halloran and Dr Philip Brunner from the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland, have discussed the opportunities and limitations from using new capabilities of ChatGPT for hydrological analyses in a recently published paper.

The paper explores the results of using ChatGPT to translate between coding languages, plot data, generate codes and analyse data in a hydrological science setting.

The authors found people with limited or no coding ability can conduct data assessments with ChatGPT in either the free version, or with the Advanced Data Analysis plugin in the paid version, and time could also be saved through the speed at which ChatGPT can analyse data.

Other benefits include the ability for ChatGPT to suggest data analysis options, summarise academic papers and reports, troubleshoot and debug code, and generate, edit and test code.

The authors found while the benefits were numerous, users needed to check the accuracy of results and tweaks prompts because ChatGPT is prone to errors.  

Dr Irvine, who began experimenting with AI tools to analyse data, said integrating AI into his processes has become a significant asset to his work. 

“Computer codes that used to take me days to write can now be written in an hour or less. Solving problems and overcoming issues is much quicker now,” Dr Irvine said.

“It used to be that if I wanted to lean a new technique, such as something in machine learning, I'd often have to spend a long time reading, and trawling the web for examples. Often there was one part that was hard to set up and without it, the entire code doesn't work.

“Now, fixing errors or learning new approaches is much easier. I'm expanding my skillset into adjacent disciplines. I'm a groundwater researcher by training but I can now do a lot more surface water-related work.”

Dr Irvine said carefully and appropriately incorporating AI to automate low-level tasks could have a positive impact on the hydrological sciences by freeing up time to focus on complex problems common in the field.

“I'm an earth and environmental scientist. It's amazing to get to study how the world works, and the work that we do is as important now as ever,” Dr Irvine said.

“However, we struggle to convince students to study earth science, and/or water resources. This shortage basically means that there's more work to do than we have capacity for. Automating basic tasks using AI can free up time so that we can focus on more challenging tasks.”

‘Opportunities and limitations of the ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis plugin for hydrological analyses’ was published in Hydrological Processes.


Contact details:

Raphaella Saroukos she/her
Communications Officer
Marketing, Media & Communications
Larrakia Country
T: +61 8 8946 6721
E: [email protected]
W: cdu.edu.au

 

Media

More from this category

  • Community, Environment
  • 29/04/2025
  • 14:56
Resilient Sydney

Local governments building Sydney’s resilience together

Greater Sydney’s councils are working together to build resilience and prepare their communities for the looming threats expected this decade. Resilient Sydney has developed…

  • Contains:
  • Community, Environment
  • 29/04/2025
  • 13:57
Charles Darwin University

CDU EXPERT: Next steps to protect Darwin shorebird populations

29 APRIL, 2025 Who: Charles Darwin University Adjunct Professor, Dr Amanda Lilleyman Topics: New research about how volunteers have been the leading advocates and drivers of shorebird conservation in the Darwin area for more than 50 years. New action plan serves as blueprint for NT and federal governments to implement consistent measures to preserve and stabilise Darwin’s shorebirds and their habitats. Contact details: Call +61 8 8946 6721 or email [email protected] to arrange an interview. Quotes attributable to Dr Amanda Lilleyman: “Volunteers have worked hard for Darwin’s shorebird populations, but that level of effort from researchers, community members, and citizen…

  • Environment
  • 29/04/2025
  • 11:25
HydroFleet, Inc.

HydroFleet Propels Hydrogen Revolution Forward With HTWO Logistics Collaboration in Savannah, GA

The Industry's First High-Volume Class-8 Hydrogen Refueling Station in the United States POOLER, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / April 28, 2025 / HydroFleet, Inc. ("HydroFleet") is excited to announce the construction of its new hydrogen production and refueling station at the new HTWO Energy Savannah site in Pooler, Georgia. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in clean energy and sustainable transportation solutions, aimed at servicing zero-emission FCEV heavy trucks. This investment will significantly enhance the region's clean energy infrastructure, supporting zero-emission heavy-duty trucks and other clean energy vehicles, including port applications and nearby rail, while contributing to a sustainable…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.