Life Sciences Faculty holds one-day AI workshop
By Bashir Dawodu
The Faculty of Life Sciences of the University of Ilorin has organised a workshop aimed at broadening participants’ knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI),research and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
The workshop was themed “AI for Life Sciences:Tools, Techniques and Research Applications”.
In his keynote address,the Guest Speaker, Prof. Femi Olorunniji of the Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Sciences, Liverpool, John Moores University, noted that Artificial Intelligence presented unprecedented opportunities to accelerate scientific discovery and research.He stressed that life scientists must embrace AI to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.
Olorunniji, a Professor of Synthetic Biology and an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, emphasised that life sciences research should extend beyond journal publications to include product development, innovation and patent creation that can directly benefit society.
He advised participants never to stop learning and cautioned against blindly accepting information generated by AI systems.
Prof. Olorunniji also warned researchers to be careful when sharing sensitive research data with AI models.
According to him, “AI should not simply give you answers; it should inform your thinking and guide your work”.
He further noted that Artificial Intelligence is a technology that is here to stay and urged academics to train students on its responsible and effective use.
The scientist emphasised the importance of developing students’ ability to critically analyse and evaluate AI-generated results.
Prof. Olorunniji also called for greater collaboration among scientists,encouraging them to focus on research that addresses societal needs and delivers meaningful impact.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Rotimi Olusanya Arise, commended Prof. Olorunniji for his commitment and sacrifice in giving back to his alma mater.
The Dean urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop, reminding them that “no knowledge is wasted” and that learning is a lifelong process.
Highlights of the workshop included practical sessions on using AI as a collaborative tool to enhance and accelerate scientific discovery, the application of AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold Multimer and the use of AI technologies to support and advance scientific research.
