The European Commission has launched a consultation initiative to shape the future of AI in science and make the EU a global leader in artificial intelligence driven research and innovation
The new initiative is part of a more significant push to use the transformative potential of AI across a range of scientific disciplines, from climate modelling to medical diagnostics.
Two public consultation tools are now open for input: a general Call for Evidence and a targeted questionnaire aimed at researchers and stakeholders in the research and innovation community. Both will remain open until 5 June 2025, allowing the scientific community and the public to influence how AI will be integrated into European research.
Building a strategy for responsible and impactful AI use
The new strategy, currently in development, will focus on accelerating the responsible use of AI in science. This includes making it easier for scientists across the EU to access AI technologies, tools, and infrastructure. The goal is to enable more productive and impactful research, particularly in critical areas such as health, clean technologies, and climate change.
A key feature of the strategy is the proposed creation of a European AI Research Council under a new initiative called RAISE, Resource for AI Science in Europe. This would act as a centralised hub to coordinate and get resources for scientists working with AI, supporting both fundamental research and applied innovations. The Council would also aim to attract talent, promote collaboration, and streamline access to high-performance computing infrastructure and AI platforms.
AI in science: Aligning with other innovation goals
By boosting AI use in scientific research, the Commission hopes to close the EU’s innovation gap and reignite its position as a competitive global leader in digital technologies. The strategy will also align with the overall Competitiveness Compass initiative and the upcoming Apply AI strategy, which focuses on industrial and business applications of AI. Both strategies are part of the AI Continent Action Plan unveiled earlier this week.
Along with supporting research capabilities, the strategy hopes to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly. To this end, the European Research Area Forum has updated its Living Guidelines on the responsible use of Generative AI in research. These guidelines will help researchers across the EU navigate the ethical, legal, and societal challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies while enabling innovation.
AI’s increasing role in scientific breakthroughs
This initiative comes at a time when AI is already revolutionising many areas of science. From helping astronomers analyse vast amounts of space data to accelerating drug discovery to improving forecasts in climate science, AI is proving to be a powerful tool in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The Commission’s new strategy seeks to build on this momentum, ensuring that European scientists have the resources and support they need to fully embrace this digital transformation.
The Commission hopes to develop a comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking strategy by involving the wider scientific community through open consultations. The input will help define funding priorities, infrastructure investments, talent development initiatives, and policy coordination across member states.
With the deadline for contributions set for June 2025, researchers, institutions, and interested citizens are encouraged to participate and help shape a future where AI strengthens science, innovation, and competitiveness across Europe.
