This plenary session explores the revolutionary impact of generative AI on modern research methodologies across disciplines. Drawing from real-world applications and case studies, we'll examine how researchers can effectively leverage the expanding AI ecosystem, from large language models to multimodal systems, to enhance data analysis, literature reviews, hypothesis generation, and knowledge synthesis. The presentation will demonstrate practical workflows that integrate AI tools while maintaining rigorous academic standards and addressing critical concerns about bias, reliability, and ethics. Participants will gain insights into creating AI-augmented research strategies that amplify human creativity rather than replace it, with special attention to emerging best practices for responsible AI integration in academic environments. We'll conclude with a forward-looking discussion of how generative AI is reshaping the future of scholarly investigation and the new competencies researchers need to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. This session aims to equip attendees with both conceptual understanding and actionable approaches to harness AI as a powerful research partner.