European Strategy for AI in Science
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Summary
Adopted alongside the Apply AI Strategy, this initiative fast-tracks responsible AI uptake across disciplines and builds the foundations of RAISE (i.e. a virtual European institute that pools talent, compute, data and funding for “science for AI” and “AI in science”). It launches Thematic Networks of Excellence and RAISE Doctoral Networks; secures priority access to EuroHPC AI Factories and future AI Gigafactories; and links Data Labs with EOSC and other data spaces. Ethics-by-design guidance and “living” rules govern use, while ERA-based coordination, indicators and summits align Member States and industry. Horizon Europe anchors early actions and an investment agenda for 2026-27.
Action items
launch the RAISE pilot with EU 108 million funding under Horizon Europe WP 2026-27, during the first edition of the AI in Science Summit in Copenhagen on 3-4 November 2025, under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
establish initial RAISE coordination for AI in science through a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) under Horizon Europe (WP 2025).
partner with Member States and the private sector to build RAISE.
establish a high-level RAISE academic advisory board.
fund Doctoral Networks on AI in science to train the next generation of researchers (RAISE pilot).
fund thematic Networks of Excellence on AI in science (RAISE pilot).
regularly update the ‘Living Guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research’ and other ethics-related operational materials.
create a JRC Scientific AI Hub to monitor and evaluate AI models and systems for strategic scientific research, in close alignment with the European AI Office.
secure dedicated access to AI Gigafactories for EU scientists and startups, including for Horizon Europe specific objectives. Horizon Europe will invest up to EUR 600 million (RAISE pilot).
continue developing the AI computing resources devoted to science through the AI Factories.
support the design of Data Labs, and their linking with Common European Data Spaces, in particular EOSC, to ensure their suitability and the accessibility and reusability of data for scientific research.
support scientists to identify strategic data gaps and gather, curate and integrate the datasets needed through the RAISE Networks (RAISE pilot).
collect evidence on the need to improve access to and reuse of publicly funded research results and the use of publications and data for scientific purposes.
incentivise and coordinate investments in AI in science through an investment agenda in Horizon Europe’s 2026-27 Work Programme (RAISE pilot).
seek to double current Horizon Europe yearly investment figures in AI, including doubling that for AI in science by 2028.
fund scientific laboratory automation and the development and update of scientific foundation models, including in industrial settings (RAISE pilot).
organise AI in Science Summits, annual flagship events bringing together AI in science communities (scientists, policy makers, startups, tech companies).
launch a campaign to encourage pledges from private companies on AI in science.
analyse the implications of the AI Act for the scientific community, for example by
assessing the AI Act research exemption for spin-offs.
coordinate with Member States, Associated Countries and R&I stakeholders in the ERA governance, such as the dedicated ERA Action on AI in science.
monitor the uptake of AI in science with indicators and metrics.
address specific issues of AI in science with relevant third countries and regions in the context of the overall EU international engagement on AI, in line with its priorities, and within the existing framework.
engage through existing regional policy dialogues on R&I to identify joint priorities, co-fund the use of AI in science projects and promote capacity building and mutual learning in the use of AI in science, in alignment with the international cooperation priorities of the EU’s AI strategy.
promote EU principles and values and standards for the responsible use of AI in science through relevant multilateral fora and international organisations, in alignment with the international cooperation priorities of the EU AI strategy.