Smita Singh, Humboldt-Universität, Brain City Berlin

Das Interview mit Smita Singh wurde auf Englisch geführt.

"How can artificial intelligence genuinely transform the way students learn chemistry?" This question drives Smita Singh’s research at the Department of Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. The Brain City Berlin ambassador began pursuing answers while teaching in India, where she saw capable students struggle simply because personalised support was unavailable. Today, she develops  evidence-based frameworks for integrating AI into chemistry education – with the aim of supporting learners in Berlin and beyond.

“Education systems worldwide are racing to integrate AI, yet most approaches treat it as a one-size-fits-all solution, what I call the "monolithic policy" problem. My research challenges this assumption”,  Smita Singh explains. Her work recognises that AI support must account for diverse learner needs, institutional contexts and pedagogical goals. “Through my work on the SURAL-AI framework (Self-regulated Universal Resource for Active Learning with AI), I investigate how intelligent systems can genuinely support self-regulated learning rather than simply delivering content.” Chemistry education presents a particular challenge:

Her main motivation comes from the moment when a student finally “sees” an idea that once felt unreachable – the Aha moment when a reaction mechanism or molecular geometry suddenly makes sense  after weeks of struggle. Before coming to Berlin, Smita Singh taught chemistry for more than 15 years as an Assistant Professor and Lecturer at institutions in India. “In large classes, I saw the same pattern again and again:  students were capable and motivated, but personalised support was simply not available at scale. I kept thinking there must be a better way. That frustration is what pushed me into research.”

Smita Singh builds what she studies. Her adaptive learning platform, Studium, combines AI tutoring with interactive 3D molecular visualisation, guided reflection prompts and virtual lab elements. “The platform is both a research testbed where I can systematically compare design choices and measure what actually improves learning, and a practical tool that can support learners right now.” Her doctoral research in the Brain City Berlin focuses on establishing evidence-based design principles for AI in educational platforms and identifying the factors that genuinely improve learning outcomes. “I also translate these insights into guidance for educators and developers, because responsible AI in education needs both strong theory and usable design patterns. I want to amplify the work of teachers, not replace it.” In addition, she contributes to European collaborative initiatives on digital skills development under the Digital Europe Programme.

“Berlin is an ideal place for this dual perspective: I can run rigorous studies in an academic setting while staying connected to broader European discussions about how AI should be designed, governed and adopted in education”, she says. She chose Berlin because her interdisciplinary approach has “room to breathe” here. Combining chemistry education, AI development and education policy is not seen as too scattered – on the contrary, it often sparks collaboration. “Berlin’s real advantage is how easily you can reach beyond your own institution.” To her, the city is an interdisciplinary accelerator: “The proximity of universities, research institutes and technology partners means that ideas can move quickly from concept to collaboration to something real.”

Smita Singh values both the professional and personal dimensions of life in the Brain City Berlin. “The city has world-class universities and research institutes alongside a vibrant tech and start-up scene, and an international community that makes collaboration feel natural. On a personal level, the quality of life matters more than I expected: I can cycle through green spaces, recharge easily and still be surrounded by people who are building new things. Coming from India, I was also struck by how open Berlin is to different perspectives and backgrounds. That openness is not performative here; you feel it in everyday interactions.”

Her advice to early-career researchers is simple: invest in connections across disciplines. “Do not stay in your silo. Berlin gives you space and opportunities, but you get the most out of it when you actively engage with the people and institutions around you. And give yourself time to settle in. The city will meet you halfway.”