The European Commission has announced plans to pilot its upcoming AI in Science strategy through five dedicated topics in the 2026–27 Horizon Europe work programme. These pilot calls will serve as the foundation for the creation of the Resource for AI Science in Europe (RAISE) — a virtual institute envisioned as a “CERN for AI.” The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in scientific innovation by helping researchers develop advanced AI tools to accelerate scientific discovery.
The AI-focused calls, outlined in a new “horizontal” work programme, mark a significant shift from traditional cluster-based structures. They highlight the Commission’s priority to integrate AI and clean technologies across disciplines, aligning with two flagship policies: the AI in Science strategy and the Clean Industrial Deal.
Funding Overview
The five AI topics will receive a combined budget of nearly €100 million, primarily drawn from Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) and Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment).
Two of these topics, amounting to €28 million, will establish pilot networks of laboratories dedicated to applying AI in specific scientific domains such as agricultural and environmental pollution sciences. Future networks could expand into life sciences, rare diseases, satellite data applications, sustainable chemistry, bioeconomy, and circular economy research.
Researchers are encouraged to identify key challenges where AI can drive scientific advancement. The calls also invite proposals to foster collaboration through exchange schemes, jointly supervised fellowships, matchmaking events, and partnerships with industry to define standards and benchmarks for AI models.
Another €33 million is allocated to enhancing the efficiency, productivity, and reproducibility of scientific research through AI-powered automated laboratory systems. These projects will help labs with existing digital infrastructure to integrate intelligent layers capable of autonomous experiment planning, execution, and analysis, supported by robust data management and storage frameworks.
A further topic will support the establishment of RAISE Doctoral Networks, complementing the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) 2026 call. These networks aim to train researchers in AI-driven scientific tools and methodologies, enhancing their employability and ability to communicate complex science to wider audiences.
Supporting the Clean Industrial Deal
In addition to AI-focused actions, the new horizontal work programme will advance the Clean Industrial Deal, which earmarks €540 million for decarbonisation initiatives.
This includes two large-scale topics:
- Decarbonising energy-intensive industries (€125 million per year for 2026 and 2027)
- Advancing clean technologies for climate action (€150 million in 2026 and €140 million in 2027)
Projects must go beyond technological feasibility to include comprehensive business plans and market-readiness strategies, ensuring alignment with industry needs.
Research will focus on carbon capture and storage, clean energy integration, waste heat recovery, circularity, and resource efficiency. Clean technology topics will emphasise net-zero energy systems, renewable fuel storage, and carbon capture and utilisation, while ensuring minimal impact on biodiversity.
Researchers are also encouraged to coordinate with related European initiatives such as Processes4Planet and the Clean Steel Partnerships.
Together, these initiatives illustrate the Commission’s broader ambition to integrate AI and sustainability as central drivers of Europe’s scientific and industrial future.