Activating education in the biosciences: reflections from ATHENS

My recent participation in the FEBS Education and Training sponsored event, Approaches in Transformative and Holistic Education for Novel Science, held 18–19 October 2024 in Athens, Greece, was an enriching and thought-provoking experience. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ioannis Trougakos and Dimitris Kletsas for creating this incredible opportunity to focus on the critical importance of education in the molecular life sciences. Their vision for the event was particularly striking, emphasizing the often-overlooked need for education in academia – where researchers are typically more focused on meeting demanding research performance standards. It was a privilege to participate in this dynamic and forward-thinking event, and I felt warmly welcomed by the organizers and attendees.
The event’s theme revolved around transforming how we approach education in scientific disciplines like biochemistry and molecular biology, which have profound implications for the quality of science and the future of our societies. With increasing recognition that teaching and research must be more interconnected and informed by evidence-based teaching and learning approaches, the need for education to keep pace with scientific advancements has never been greater.
A call for transformation in education
During the event, I had the honor of delivering a lecture focused on active learning approaches, aiming to help participants reflect on how these techniques could radically transform their teaching practices. Active learning encourages students to engage deeply with the material, moving beyond passive consumption of information. In my lecture, I sought to emphasize how educators could harness these approaches to better connect with students – not only in terms of the classroom experience but in shaping students’ broader learning journeys. The goal was to instill in participants a desire to move beyond traditional lecturing and adopt methods that foster deeper understanding, critical thinking, and sustained engagement.
It was reassuring to see a room filled with highly engaged and enthusiastic colleagues, most of whom were from the University of Athens. Their willingness to explore new approaches to teaching was invigorating, and our discussions centered around practical strategies for incorporating active learning techniques in scientific education. The questions and insights shared by the participants highlighted their commitment to improving the educational experience for students in molecular life sciences, reinforcing the critical role that engaged educators play in the success of their students.
The power of workshops: Engaging in small but impactful discussions
On the second day of the event, I had the privilege of leading a workshop on the practical implementation of active learning strategies. Although the group was small, the level of interest and engagement was extraordinary. The workshop provided a space for in-depth discussions, where participants could reflect on the challenges and opportunities of integrating these approaches into their existing curricula. Other attendees chose to attend parallel workshops led by renowned educators like David Smith and Robert Harris, focusing on AI in education and supporting PhD mentors, respectively. This wealth of options highlighted the richness of the event and the diversity of interests within the community of academic educators.
What struck me most was the realization that these smaller, focused workshops are crucial for building a committed network of educators who can later become champions of innovation within their institutions. The energy and enthusiasm in these intimate settings allow for meaningful exchanges of ideas, paving the way for long-lasting improvements in teaching practices. However, it’s clear that institutional support is needed to sustain the momentum generated in such events.
Key takeaways: Bridging the gap between research and teaching
As I reflect on the event, several key takeaways stand out, particularly concerning the dissemination of active learning methods in academia.
1. Active learning dissemination: Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting active learning, many academics remain unaware of its importance. The influential meta-analysis by Scott Freeman and colleagues, published over a decade ago, demonstrated that active learning significantly improves student performance and retention. However, many educators still haven’t integrated this approach into their teaching. This gap between research and practice is alarming, especially in disciplines like biochemistry, where staying at the cutting edge is critical. It’s essential to find ways to better translate pedagogical research into everyday teaching practice, ensuring that students benefit from the most effective methods available.
2. The necessity of events like these: Educational initiatives, such as this event in Athens, are essential, particularly in institutions where there is little to no culture of teaching innovation. By creating spaces for discussion and reflection, these events foster a sense of community among educators, giving them the tools and confidence to implement new approaches. Such initiatives are crucial for spreading best practices and ensuring that innovative teaching methods are more widely adopted.
3. Empowering academics: Small, focused events like this one can be incredibly empowering for the academics who attend. They provide an opportunity to engage deeply with new ideas and build the confidence needed to advocate for change within their institutions. However, it’s important that institutions find ways to support these educators in disseminating what they’ve learned to their colleagues. Without ongoing institutional backing, the impact of such events may be limited.
4. The role of professional societies: Discipline-focused professional organizations like FEBS can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of educational development. By organizing events, workshops, and discussions on teaching and learning, these societies create vital spaces where educators can come together, share ideas, and push for improvements in their fields. This is particularly important in highly specialized disciplines like biochemistry, where cutting-edge science must be matched by equally innovative teaching methods.
The need for a knowledgeable and consolidated community of educators
One of the most pressing needs I took away from this event is the importance of building a knowledgeable and consolidated community of educators in the biomolecular sciences. As scientific knowledge continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it is essential that biochemistry curricula and teaching methods remain state-of-the-art and evidence-based. To achieve this, we need a network of educators who are not only experts in their fields but are also committed to improving the way we teach and engage students.
In a polarized world that is struggling to address major global challenges – such as sustainability, climate change, and public health – the role of science education has never been more critical. Educators have a responsibility to ensure that their students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to navigate these challenges. To do this effectively, teaching must be inspiring, relevant, and grounded in the latest pedagogical research. A community of educators committed to these principles will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of scientists and citizens.
Engaging students: Building better scientists and critical citizens
Ultimately, the most engaged students are not only better scientists but also more critical and responsible citizens. By fostering a culture of active learning, where students are encouraged to question, analyze, and apply what they learn, we help them develop the skills needed to tackle the complex problems facing society today. This goes beyond simply imparting knowledge; it’s about empowering students to think critically, work collaboratively, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
As I return from Athens and reflect on the lessons learned, I am more convinced than ever of the importance of continuing to contribute to events like this one. These small gatherings may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they have the potential to catalyze change, shaking institutional rigidity and inspiring educators to innovate for the benefit of their students – and, ultimately, for the future of higher education. I look forward to future opportunities to engage with this vibrant community of educators and continue working toward a more transformative and holistic approach to science education.




All images by the event organisers NKUA, HSBMB/NCSR "Demokritos", and FEBS.
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Great post Manuel!
I'm especially impressed with how well the key takeaways capture the essential points!
Thanks for your contributions - as an active participant and educator in this workshop!