Why the strategy was created?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how science works. It can read thousands of research papers in seconds, automate lab experiments and analyze huge datasets, Thus, it helps scientists make discoveries faster than ever before. But Europe faced several challenges:
- AI tools and computing power were unevenly available across countries.
- Researchers didn’t always have access to the data they needed.
- Europe risked falling behind global competitors in top AI talent and cutting-edge research.
- Scientific communities needed guidelines and support to use AI responsibly and effectively.
To address these issues and secure Europe’s leadership in global science, the European Commission created the European AI in Science Strategy.
AI already plays a major role across the scientific process—from carrying out systematic literature reviews to running automated lab workflows. It supports discovery in areas such as health, energy, the environment, and the humanities. The Strategy provides a coordinated plan to make sure Europe can fully benefit from these opportunities.
RAISE: Resource for AI Science in Europe
A key part of this plan is the creation of RAISE – the Resource for AI Science in Europe. Rather than being a physical building, RAISE functions as a virtual institute, connecting Europe’s top researchers, powerful computers, high-quality data, and essential funding into one coordinated ecosystem. As unified system, RAISE brings together the key ingredients needed to push scientific boundaries:
- Massive Computing Power
- Reliable, High-Quality Data
- Europe´s Leading Talent
- Funding for Breakthrough Ideas
The pilot phase of RAISE is funded with €107 million through Horizon Europe, and it was officially launched at the AI in Science Summit in November 2025 in Copenhagen.
Key actions of the AI in Science Strategy
1. Talent and excellence
Europe wants to attract the world’s best researchers and AI specialists.
The RAISE pilot includes €58 million for training programmes, Networks of Excellence, and doctoral initiatives to help talented scientists to choose Europe.
2. Computing power
Horizon Europe will invest €600 million to ensure researchers and startups can access powerful AI computing centres—so-called AI Gigafactories. This will help scientists train large models and run complex simulations.
3. Research funding
The Strategy aims to double EU funding for AI under Horizon Europe to over €3 billion per year, including a major increase specifically for AI in science.
4. Data
Scientists will get support to identify missing datasets and to collect, curate, and integrate high-quality data essential for AI-driven research.
How the Strategy was developed
The Strategy is backed by extensive evidence and consultations, including:
- public and stakeholder consultations,
- a study on trends in AI use across scientific disciplines,
- policy briefs on using AI to accelerate discovery,
- advice from the Scientific Advice Mechanism on responsible AI integration,
- Council Conclusions showing Member State priorities,
- a Mutual Learning Exercise on best practices in national AI policies,
- a major JRC report on the role of AI in the scientific process in Europe.
The Strategy supports the broader AI Continent Action Plan and complements the Apply AI Strategy, which focuses on using AI across major sectors of the economy.
