Scientific Integrity and Curiosity in the AI Era: Insights from Randy W. Schekman on the June Session of the LUMINAI Lecture Series

On June 21, ASI Global hosted the June session of the LUMINAI Lecture Series, featuring Dr. Randy W. Schekman, Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine. Speaking to a live online audience of students and scholars from across China, Dr. Schekman delivered his fourth lecture for ASI on “Developing Scientific Literacy in the AI Era”. While his previous talks explored the mechanisms of cellular secretion, the new session turned to explore how scientists and students can uphold the principles of curiosity, rigor, and integrity in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Dr. Schekman began by reflecting on the enduring nature of scientific discovery. From the revelation of the DNA double helix to the sequencing of the human genome, he noted that every major breakthrough in modern biology has been driven more by curiosity and persistence than by technology alone. In his view, science is not merely an accumulation of facts but a disciplined process of questioning, skepticism, and collaboration. “The rise of AI”, he suggested, “provides powerful new tools and also serves as a reminder that genuine discovery continues to depend on human imagination and judgment.”

DNA double helix

To illustrate this point, Dr. Schekman described how AI has transformed molecular biology. AI Tools have enabled researchers to predict the three-dimensional structures of nearly all known proteins, addressing a challenge that had confounded scientists for decades. His colleague David Baker at the University of Washington has advanced this work further, using AI algorithms to design new proteins with therapeutic potential. Dr. Schekman observed that such progress shows how computation can amplify experimental science, though the value of such progress still relies on the insight and critical thinking of scientists themselves. Without a human perspective, he cautioned, AI risks becoming a process of pattern recognition without deeper understanding.

Turning from computation to biology, Dr. Schekman discussed the revolution brought by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Originally discovered in bacteria, the technology has now entered clinical use, enabling targeted therapies for conditions such as sickle-cell anemia. While acknowledging its potential to transform medicine, Dr. Schekman emphasized the ethical responsibilities that accompany such power. He noted that the distinction between treatment and enhancement is not only scientific but moral, and he urged the scientific community to ensure that technological innovation proceeds alongside ethical reflection and public dialogue.

Application of gene editing in the treatment of sickle-cell anemia

The lecture also offered personal insights into Dr. Schekman’s own journey as a scientist. He recalled how a simple microscope he received as a child sparked his fascination with the natural world, a curiosity that eventually led to his Nobel-winning research on intracellular transport. He described science as an ongoing process of exploration that demands persistence, humility, and openness to failure. For him, these qualities define scientific literacy: not the memorization of facts, but a mindset grounded in curiosity, honesty, and intellectual rigor.

Dr. Scheckman recalling his research career

In the Q&A that followed, Dr. Schekman responded to questions from young researchers about research integrity, publication pressure, and the growing influence of AI in academia. He encouraged students to prioritize the originality and quality of their work over journal rankings, emphasizing that the true value of research lies in its enduring contribution rather than its venue of publication. On AI’s expanding role, he advised that digital tools should be used critically and responsibly, with awareness of their limitations as well as their strengths. “Scientific literacy”, he concluded, “requires the ability to engage with technology thoughtfully while preserving human judgment and ethical awareness.”

Concluding the lecture, Dr. Schekman returned to the principles that have guided his career, which are curiosity, integrity, and service to humanity. As artificial intelligence accelerates the pace of discovery, he argued, these values remain essential for ensuring that scientific progress continues to serve the common good.