The innovative project “Students of Natural Sciences: Pioneers in Artificial Intelligence” was launched by the non-profit organization Science for You – SciFY in collaboration with the Education Office of the largest research center in the country, NCSR “Demokritos aiming to empower the next generation of scientists.

Through this initiative, Science students will be trained in Artificial Intelligence so that they are ready for the changes coming to their field of education and work. Afterwards, they will be asked to solve real challenges in their field using AI with the help of NCSR “Demokritos” researchers. Thus, the students will have opportunities to network with “Demokritos” for research and/or possible diplomatic work, while at the same time, NCSR “Demokritos” strengthens its connection with the schools of Natural Sciences.

Interested undergraduate and postgraduate students who are at least in their 3rd year of study in a Natural Sciences school can sign up on this form to register for the educational program.

The program “Students of Natural Sciences: Pioneers in Artificial Intelligence” is implemented with the support Ioannis S. Latsis Foundation .

Natural Sciences in the era of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world we live in by affecting various aspects of our lives. In addition, there is a huge demand for professionals with knowledge of harnessing AI, especially in the Natural Sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences including environmental sciences, geology, geography, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, etc.). But this need is not met, as there is a lot of ignorance around AI. At the same time, leading innovation research centers that want to utilize scientists with knowledge of AI are not potential prospective employers in the minds of students.

Complete educational experience

Through this innovative project, based on SciFY’s award-winning educational program “Pioneers for AI” Science students:

• Will learn how AI is changing their field of study through videos, exercises, and other training elements.
• Will acquire a connection with Institutes and Researchers of NCSR “Demokritos” for research and/or possible diplomatic work.
• Will work in expert-led teams and put what they have learned into practice through the ‘Solving Natural Sciences Challenges with AI’ Hackathon.
• Will start their professional career with knowledge, experience, and networking.

The project at a glance

• An online Artificial Intelligence course specifically designed for Science students enriched with videos, exercises, and other training elements will be created, building on SciFY’s already successful AI training programs, with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity.
• 120 students of Natural Sciences will be trained in AI.
• Real challenges/problems of Natural Sciences (Challenges) will be created by researchers of related Institutes of NCSR “Demokritos” that are solved using AI.
• 50 graduates of the training program will be supported to solve the above Challenges using the AI knowledge they have acquired.
• The networking and development of students’ skills will be further supported through a two-day Hackathon, in which students, with the help of “Demokritos” researchers, will work to solve the Challenges.
• The networking and development of students’ skills will be further supported through a two-day Hackathon, in which students, with the help of “Demokritos” researchers, will work to solve the Challenges.

Benefits for the academic – research community

The project also strengthens the academic-research community:

• NCSR “Demokritos” strengthens its research actions with AI and its connection with the schools of Natural Sciences and consolidates its position in the labor market.
• The departments of the Natural Sciences schools are strengthened with students trained in AI and create synergies with the largest research center in the country.

*Part of the multimedia used in this post was developed with Generative AI