This article presents the results of a pilot study on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in didactics and academic work among academic lecturers in Poland. The main objective was to identify the level of experience, barriers, and training needs related to AI among university lecturers. The study was conducted using a survey method (CAWI) on a sample of 120 academic lecturers from various higher education institutions. The analysis revealed that most participants have limited experience in using AI tools. The primary barriers include a lack of adequate training, insufficient time to learn new technologies, and inadequate technical support at the institution. Faculty members with higher academic titles and those who use AI tools less frequently display greater training needs. Academics from science and technical fields use AI more often compared to those from other disciplines. The results indicate the necessity of investing in training programs and technological support for academic lecturers to enhance the effective use of AI in education. Preferences regarding AI tools are strongly tied to their financial accessibility, suggesting a need to promote free or partially free tools. The findings can serve as a basis for developing strategies to support AI implementation in higher education, contributing to improved teaching quality and research efficiency.