Associate Professor and the Director of the AI4STEM Education Center–Xiaoming Zhai kicked off the International Conference on Advancing AI in Science Education (AASE) at the University of Georgia Conference Center on February 2, 2025. 

The two-day NSF-funded conference brought together nearly 20 leading researchers, educators, and AI experts from around the globe to explore the transformative role of AI in science education. 

A Platform for Responsible and Ethical AI Integration in Science Education

The conference opened with an engaging session, led by Zhai, Okhee Lee (New York University), and Kent Crippen (University of Florida), resulted in a thought-provoking discussion on the responsible and ethical uses of AI in science education. Attendees engaged in conversations on how AI can enhance learning while ensuring responsiveness, transparency, and accountability in educational settings. “As AI is increasingly involved in science education, its impact on educational goals, curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and outcomes has drawn attention on responsible and ethical uses of AI in classroom settings,” said Zhai.

Expert Keynotes Shaping the Future of AI in Education

The event featured distinguished keynote speakers, including:

• Ryan Baker (University of Pennsylvania) – Addressing how Large Language Models (LLMs) can support both students and educators in personalized learning.
• Stephen Pruitt (Southern Regional Education Board) – Discussing the intelligent approach to integrating AI in educational policies.
• Travis Allen (Human Intelligence Movement) – Advocating for human intelligence development in an AI-driven world.
• James Lester (North Carolina State University) – Presenting the National Science Foundation AI Institute for Engaged Learning and its groundbreaking research.

Collaborative Research & Hands-On Discussions

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in panel discussions, author presentations, and facilitated breakout sessions, exploring key topics such as:

• AI-driven personalized learning strategies
• The impact of AI on teacher-student interactions
• Developing policies to ensure responsible and ethical AI uses in science education

A New Era of AI-Powered Education

As the conference concluded, researchers reflected on the current landscape of AI in science education and shared ideas on fostering innovation, ethical practices, and policy frameworks for AI integration in classrooms worldwide.

As a continuity of the first International Conference on AI-based Assessment in STEM Education in 2022, this is the second international conference led by AI4STEM Education Center to advance the integration of AI in STEM education. With AI continuing to reshape the education sector, AASE 2025 served as a pivotal moment for shaping policies, driving research, and ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enhancing learning experiences rather than replacing human intelligence.