Many researchers attending the FEBS Congress 2025 in Istanbul this summer (5–9 July 2025) will also be involved in university teaching or training in the lab. With this in mind, alongside research updates at the Congress, aspects of the event have been designed to also benefit and inspire current and aspiring educators in the molecular life sciences. Here’s a round-up of education-focused activities at the FEBS Congress 2025.

FEBS Education Plenary Lecture
Tuesday July 8; 14:30–15:30

Prof. Robert Harris from the Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden will deliver a FEBS Education Lecture on ‘Learning how to be a better researcher and educator by doing research and teaching – the Yin Yang perspective’.

Robert Harris is currently Professor of Immunotherapy in Neurological Diseases, and Academic Vice-President of Doctoral Education, at the Karolinska Institutet. He received the inaugural FEBS Education Award in 2024, which honours a distinguished teaching and training career path in the field of molecular life sciences.

Special Sessions on education and training

FEBS & IUBMB Joint Education Session – From challenges to opportunities: Integrating AI in biosciences education
Tuesday July 8; 16:00–18:00

This dynamic and interactive workshop will explore how the challenges of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education can be transformed into opportunities for innovation and improvement. Bringing together a diverse group of experts – including practitioners, researchers, and policy advisors – the session will foster a collaborative environment where participants can share their experiences, discuss difficulties, and highlight best practices. The 2-hour session will begin with an introduction, and then engage participants in sharing best practice and addressing key questions about AI in education. These structured discussions will allow participants to engage deeply with practical and strategic aspects of AI implementation. An expert panel discussion, where experts will share insights and respond to participants' perspectives, will ensure a well-rounded exploration of the topic. Join us to contribute your voice and gain valuable ideas to navigate the evolving role of AI in education!

FEBS & ORPHEUS Joint Session – PhD training in a changing world: Standards, ethics, and career growth
Wednesday July 9; 13:30–15:30

Step into the future of doctoral education at the FEBS–ORPHEUS Joint Session. With academia at the crossroads of rapid technological change, reformed research practices, and ethical complexities, this session aims to inspire fresh perspectives on shaping the next generation of researchers.

Moderated by renowned thought leaders, this session will foster a critical discussion on how we can align doctoral training with the demands of a rapidly changing academic and societal landscape.

Whether you're a current or future PhD student, a supervisor, or an administrator in doctoral education, this session is a must-attend for anyone passionate about shaping the next generation of researchers. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network, learn, and contribute to the future of PhD training. Let’s rethink doctoral education together!

Education posters: submit your abstract now

Presentation of posters on 'Molecular life sciences education' are welcome at the FEBS Congress 2025. These should preferably report research findings on aspects of teaching/learning, but other original contributions to current topics in education and career development are also welcome.

Three abstract topics on education and training are available for submissions:  

• Undergraduate teaching/learning
• Postgraduate teaching/learning
• Faculty and career development

Note that you can submit an education abstract only, or a research abstract as well as an education abstract from the same registration.

Submit your abstract by 13 March 2025 to benefit from the lowest registration fee.

Find more details on abstract submission on the event’s Call for Abstracts page.

The Congress organizers look forward to receiving your education abstracts, and your contributions to teaching and training discussions at the event.