A white paper from the FEBS Education and Training Conference: challenges, opportunities, and action plans for transforming molecular life sciences education

• Published in: FEBS open bio 2024-12, Vol.15 (1), p.11-20
• Main Authors: Villo, Ly, Sincic, Nino, Mello, Luciane V., Costa, Manuel Joao, Picard, Didier, Malatesta, Francesco, Dumic, Jerka, Sagin, Ferhan G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Active learning; active learning and engagement; Artificial intelligence; call for action in molecular life sciences education; Cell Biology and Development; Collaborative learning; Critical thinking; Curricula; digital revolution in education; educating educators; Education; Education and Training Conference; education in molecular life sciences; Educational technology; Flipped classroom; Interdisciplinary aspects; Knowledge; Learning; Life sciences; Literacy; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Peer tutoring; Problem solving; Professional identity; Reflection; Simulation; Skills; Student participation; Teachers; Teaching methods
• ISSN: 2211-5463; 2211-5463
• DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13916

The inaugural FEBS Education and Training Conference (ETC) was held in Türkiye, in 2024. This first‐ever Molecular Life Sciences Education Conference in Europe was organized by the FEBS Education and Training Committee and it was a groundbreaking event that brought together educators and scientists to explore how to enhance education and training in molecular life sciences. The conference explored a wide range of critical themes, for example—digital revolution, active learning and student engagement, multidisciplinary teaching and learning, transitions and inclusivity in education, students' self‐assessment, and self‐regulated learning. The discussions and presentations underscored the pressing need for transformation in how academics and researchers approach teaching and learning. Such shift is driven by rapid technological advancements, societal shifts, and the evolving demands of the scientific landscape. This document synthesizes key insights, discussions, and recommendations from the conference and proposes actionable strategies for all stakeholders in the field—institutions, educators and students—to address current challenges in education and training in molecular life sciences. The first molecular life sciences education conference in Europe—FEBS Education and Training Conference—brought together educators and scientists to explore how to enhance education and training and underscored the need for transformative changes in teaching and learning. This document synthesizes key insights and recommendations from the conference and proposes strategies to address current challenges in education.