Artificial intelligence(AI) is profoundly reshaping research methods, technological applications and industrial development pathways in the field of life sciences. For learners who wish to enter or better understand life sciences-related fields, developing a foundational understanding of the convergence between AI and life sciences has become an important basis for recognising frontier technology trends, expanding interdisciplinary capabilities and preparing for future career development.

The “AI + Life Sciences” Micro-Certification Programme is designed to respond to this need. Following a learning pathway from foundations to applications, the Programme guides learners to start from the fundamental principles of life sciences, gradually understand the core toolchains used in life science research, including the reading and storage of biological information, and explore how AI supports the interpretation of biological data and intelligent computing to help researchers better understand the logic of life. It further introduces how these technologies are applied in real-world industry scenarios such as health and agriculture.

As an important practice of UNESCO-ICHEI’s efforts to advance “AI + Industry” course development, the Programme focuses on the convergence of artificial intelligence and the life sciences industry. Covering life science frontiers, core technologies in genomics, biological foundation models and intelligent computing, precision medicine, molecular diagnostics, and agriculture and genomics, it provides systematic, modular and internationalised online learning resources through the IIOE platform.

The Programme brings together the complementary strengths of both parties. UNESCO-ICHEI, through the IIOE platform, provides support in international online learning platform delivery, micro-certification systems and course multilingualisation. UNESCO-ICHEI will also promote the localised implementation of training programmes among IIOE partner institutions. BGI Group contributes its leading expertise in life sciences, genomics and related industrial applications by providing course content, practical cases and expert resources.

Through this Programme, the two parties have transformed frontier knowledge, core technologies and industrial application cases in life sciences into online, modular and internationally scalable course resources. The Programme provides more open, flexible and high-quality learning opportunities for university teachers and students, young researchers and professionals in related sectors worldwide.

Following a learning journey from foundations to applications, the “AI + Life Sciences” Micro-Certification Programme is structured around a three-stage learning pathway. The nine courses are organised into a progressive framework of “foundational understanding—core technologies—application scenarios”, guiding learners to understand life science frontiers, master key technological tools, and explore how these technologies are applied in health, agriculture and other life sciences industry contexts.

The first stage, Foundations, helps learners build a conceptual understanding of life science frontiers and the evolution of life sciences from genomics to AI-driven intelligence.

The second stage, Core Technologies and AI for Science, focuses on the core toolchains of life sciences, including the reading and storage of biological information, as well as the application of AI in scientific research. This stage helps learners understand the key connections between life science research and data computation.

The third stage, Applications in Health and Agriculture, focuses on real-world application scenarios in health and agriculture. Covering areas such as birth defects prevention and control, precision oncology, molecular diagnostics for pathogen identification, and agriculture and genomics, this stage demonstrates how life science technologies contribute to disease prevention and control, clinical practice and agricultural development.

At present, all nine courses under the three-stage learning pathway have been launched. Learners may log in to the IIOE platform and enter the “AI + Life Sciences” section to view the Programme introduction, learning pathway and all course resources, and select courses according to their professional background and learning needs.

The courses adopt a modular design. Upon completing the relevant course learning and assessments, learners may obtain learning certification jointly issued by UNESCO-ICHEI and BGI Group.

Course Certificate

Access the “AI + Life Sciences” section at: https://www.iioe.org/#/news/detail/a9d1413f-bbd6-4293-a6fe-77b3072efc90/0

The launch of the “AI + Life Sciences” Micro-Certification Programme marks an important step in UNESCO-ICHEI’s continued efforts to advance “AI + Industry” course development. Through collaboration with BGI Group and other professional institutions, UNESCO-ICHEI is exploring new models for course development involving universities, research institutions and industry partners. The initiative connects frontier technologies, industrial practices and online education platform capabilities to support the lifelong learning and career development needs of learners worldwide.