The βιος – Society of Biological Sciences in Cyprus (βιος-SBSCy) successfully organised the workshop “Developing Critical Thinking in Molecular Life Sciences in the AI Era: Challenges and Solutions” which took place on the 5th of February at the University of Nicosia. The event was supported by the FEBS Education and Training Committee and organised by the βιος-SBSCy Education Group.
The half-day interactive workshop brought together 11 participants, including faculty members, early-career researchers and postgraduate students interested in innovative teaching approaches in molecular life sciences and the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in science education.
Developing Critical Thinking in Molecular Life Sciences in the AI Era Event poster. The event was supported by the FEBS Education and Training Committee and organised by the βιος-SBSCy Education Group.
Participants were welcomed by Dr Vicky Nicolaidou, βιος-SBSCy Chair who also introduced the Society and FEBS. Professor Christos Papaneophytou gave an interactive introduction to critical thinking and AI in molecular life sciences education.
Addressing the Challenge of AI in Education
The workshop explored one of the key challenges currently facing educators in molecular life sciences: how to integrate AI tools into teaching while maintaining and strengthening students’ critical thinking skills.
Participants were introduced to the pedagogical foundations of critical thinking in the molecular life sciences and discussed how emerging AI tools can both support and challenge reasoning, analysis and independent problem-solving in students.
Interactive Case Studies and Problem-Based Learning
A central feature of the workshop was the use of problem-based learning (PBL) and interactive case studies. Participants worked in small groups to analyse realistic teaching scenarios involving AI tools such as generative AI systems and AI-supported assessment platforms.
Through collaborative discussions, participants evaluated both the opportunities and limitations of AI in teaching, focusing on curriculum design, lecture delivery and student assessment.
Dr Stella Nicolaou, FEBS Education Ambassador, led the group discussions. Participants had the opportunity to analyse case studies using a problem-based learning approach. Additionally, they employed a variety of AI tools in real time to come up with solution to the case problems.
After the completion of the workshop, participants were provided with all the material developed as well as useful guides and tips for using the AI tools used during the tutorial. They also had the opportunity to complete further assigned tasks at their own time and receive feedback. All participants were provided with attendance certificates.
Positive Participant Feedback
Feedback collected through the post-workshop questionnaire showed very positive responses from participants. 100% of respondents rated the organisation of the event as excellent. All respondents strongly agreed that the workshop content was relevant to their role. 86% strongly agreed that the case studies and group activities supported their understanding of the topic. All respondents strongly agreed that the balance between theory, discussion and practical activities was appropriate.
Participants highlighted the hands-on nature of the workshop and the collaborative discussions as particularly valuable.
Examples of participant feedback included:
“The practical part and working through real scenarios was very useful.”
“The problem-based learning structure made the workshop very engaging.”
“The group discussions and exchange of ideas were particularly valuable.”
Some participants suggested that future editions of the workshop could be extended to a full-day format to allow deeper exploration of additional case studies and tools.
Strengthening the Education Community
The event also marked an important milestone for the newly established Education Group within βιος-SBSCy, highlighting the growing interest within the Cypriot scientific community in education innovation and teaching development.
The workshop created an opportunity for educators and researchers to share experiences, reflect on teaching practices and explore the future of molecular life sciences education in the AI era.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of this event, the organisers plan to continue developing education-focused initiatives and workshops that explore the intersection of AI, pedagogy and critical thinking in the life sciences.
The organisers would like to thank the FEBS Education and Training Committee for supporting this initiative and helping promote excellence in education within the molecular life sciences community.