Second high-level roundtable on advancing science with AI concludes and paves the way for a European Strategy and RAISE

Today, Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation hosted the second high-level roundtable on artificial intelligence (AI), bringing together leading experts in both fundamental research and its application across scientific fields. 

This strategic meeting is an essential part of the Commission’s consultation process to shape the forthcoming European strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Science. It focused on the flagship initiative RAISE - Resource for AI Science in Europe, which aims to pool public and private resources, talent and data to accelerate the responsible and effective deployment of AI in scientific research across Europe. 

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

“If we want AI to truly serve science, we need to listen to those driving it forward. Today’s discussion reminded us that Europe’s scientific edge depends on giving researchers access to the best AI tools - and the freedom to innovate with them.”

Participants discussed concrete actions that will underpin a strong and coherent EU approach to AI uptake in science. They include:

• Building impactful collaborations: Exploring how RAISE and the broader scientific community can join forces to drive the uptake in the use of AI in science.
• Balancing ambition and feasibility: Identifying measures to ensure that proposed actions are both visionary and realistically achievable on the field in the short and medium term.
• Mobilising funding: Examining the role of national funding in supporting and scaling the integration of AI across scientific disciplines.
• Fostering international cooperation: Discussing mechanisms to enhance collaboration with like-minded countries and strengthen global efforts in AI-driven research.

Background

The growing role of AI acts as a catalyst for scientific breakthroughs; it is fast becoming a key instrument in the scientific process. It can help tackle societal challenges in health, climate change, clean technologies and the digital transition, while keeping Europe at the cutting edge of scientific progress, which is the heart of our economy. 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 opinion of the Scientific Advisory Mechanism suggests accelerating the integration of AI in science in a responsible manner.  The Commission is currently preparing a European strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Science. This will aim to accelerate the adoption of AI by scientists, by creating essential enablers, such as improved access to data, computational power and talent and addressing science-specific AI challenges, such as preserving scientific integrity and methodological rigour. A public consultation was held between 10 April to 5 June 2025, and will inform the upcoming AI in Science Strategy. 

More information

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Science

AI in Science: feedback to the consultations on the future Strategy shows strong interest from public and scientific community

Press contact:

EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation