Commission hosts high-level roundtable on advancing science with AI

The Commission organised today a roundtable with leading experts in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in various scientific disciplines and in fundamental AI research. Hosted by the Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen and the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, the discussion focused on identifying gaps and exploring pathways to use AI to accelerate scientific innovation and excellence in Europe. The experts' input is also timely in view of the forthcoming initiative on a European AI Research Council and the Strategy to increase the uptake of AI by European scientists.

Henna Virkkunen, the Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said:

"Artificial intelligence stands at the forefront of innovation and security. Today we brought together leading minds in AI and scientific research, reinforcing our commitment to building a future where technology serves democracy and security, and powers groundbreaking scientific discovery."

Ekaterina Zaharieva, the Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said:

"Europe has the talent and ambition to lead in AI research and its application in science. This roundtable is an important step in realising our vision of a united and well-resourced ecosystem for AI in science, to drive scientific breakthroughs and boost EU competitiveness."

Participants in the roundtable discussed three key topics:

1. Facilitating AI integration in research: identifying critical challenges and opportunities to enable the widespread adoption of AI in scientific disciplines.
2. Advancing AI research: addressing pressing questions in fundamental AI research to position Europe as a global leader in this domain.
3. Resource pooling: developing a framework for consolidating European resources to enhance research capabilities and foster collaboration.

Background

The growing role of AI acts as a catalyst for scientific breakthroughs, and it is a key instrument in the scientific process. This can help tackle pressing challenges like climate change, health, and the green and digital transitions, while keeping Europe at the cutting edge of scientific progress. EU-funded researchers are already harnessing AI in ground-breaking ways, from improving cancer treatments to solving environmental issues and improving earthquake's impact predictions. The recent opinion of the Scientific Advisory Mechanism suggests accelerating the integration of AI in science in a responsible manner. Developing a policy on AI in Science will aim to accelerate the adoption of AI by scientists, by creating essential enablers, such as improved access to data, computational power and talent. It will also include monitoring and steering the impact of AI, addressing science-specific AI challenges, such as preserving scientific integrity and methodological rigour.

More information

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Science

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EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation

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