In this workshop, we will explore the future of mechanistic reasoning (MR) across different scientific disciplines, with particular attention to the role of AI. We will examine current research on MR, share our own ongoing work, and discuss how AI—both as a research tool and as a resource for students—shapes and influences the field. The workshop will also provide space to identify emerging challenges and opportunities, as well as to consider directions for future research on MR in the age of AI.

Program (in CET/ET):

2.00-2.05/ 8.00-8.05: Opening remarks

2.05-2.35/ 8.05-8.35: Rayendra Bachtiar, The use of AI to support the research on mechanistic reasoning

2.35-3.05/ 8.35-9.05 Michal Haskel-Ittah and Moriah Ariely, AI-generated mechanistic content and the search for explanatory black boxes: how AI can support students’ identification 

3.05-3.35/ 9.05-9.35 Nicole Graulich and Paul P. Martin, How mechanistic reasoning can contribute to a vision of science literacy in the twenty-first century

3.35-3.40/ 9.35-9.40 Break

3.40-4.10/ 9.40-10.10 Jennifer Doherty and Keenan Noyes, How do doctors-in-training use AI and mechanistic reasoning for clinical diagnosis

4.10-4.40/ 10.10-10.40 Iris Tabak and Gur Arie Livni Alcasid, How Might Generative AI Shape the Public’s Engagement with Mechanistic Reasoning?

4.40-5.00/ 10.40-11.00 Group discussion and concluding remarks