Life Sciences university education in the future –
incorporating the benefits and challenges of generative AI in delivering
the learning outcomes
to be held online on Wednesday 8 October 2025 from 9.30 to 12.30 CET
Register here for the Workshop
Outline
This workshop explores the evolving landscape of university education in the life sciences, focusing on how generative AI can support or challenge the achievement of learning outcomes. As AI tools become increasingly integrated into academic environments, educators are required to assess their pedagogical value, ethical implications, and impact on student engagement and assessment. The workshop will provide a platform for dialogue, sharing strategies to harness AI’s benefits — such as personalised learning and content generation — while addressing challenges like academic integrity and equity. Participants will consider how future life science curricula can responsibly and effectively integrate generative AI to enhance educational outcomes and to provide the types of AI literate skills that are required in the workplace.
Programme
9.30 Welcome and introduction to the Workshop
9.40 Keynote 1: Integrating AI knowledge and skills in the curricula to prepare students for the workplace.
Ioannis N. Athanasiadis, Chair of Artificial Intelligence, Wageningen University and Research, NL
10.20 Two short interventions as examples of “Generative AI curricular intervention in delivering learning outcomes”
10.50 Grab a coffee before the break out session
11.00 Break-out groups with set questions and reporting back
11.30 Keynote 2: Transforming sustainable education with AI powered intelligent tutoring systems to foster deeper engagement
Tianchong (Alex) Wang, Flinders University, Australia:
12.10 Panel discussion with questions
12.30 Close
Register here for the Workshop
Organising Committee
Julian Park - Chair ICA-Edu Executive Committee & Former Pro-Vice Chancellor Education and Student Experience, Professor of Agricultural Systems, University of Reading, UK
Mieke Uyttendaele - Vice Chair (incoming Chair 1 Sept 2025) & Faculty Director of Education & Internationalisation, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, BE
Stefano Cesco - Former Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, IT
Kristina Kljak – Former Vice Dean for for International and Interinstitutional Cooperation, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, HR
Marta Mendel - Vice Rector for International Co-operation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, PL
Andreas Zitek - Chair of the ICA-Edu Special Interest Group (SIG) for Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education, Centre for Education, BOKU University, Vienna, AT
Simon Heath - ICA Deputy Secretary General: