Research & Innovation

The European Commission has launched a new call for proposals to develop a vibrant European network of artificial intelligence excellence centres to enhance co-operation within the European Artificial Intelligence (AI) research community and boost technological advancements in the field of AI. Through this call, which is part of the Horizon 2020 Work Programme 2018-2020, the most rigorous research teams in Europe are encouraged to join forces to tackle major scientific and technological challenges, hampering the deployment of AI-based solutions.

It has two parts: the first part aims to bring leading researchers together in European networks of excellence centres that will work on key AI topics. Each network of researchers will choose an important scientific or technological challenge with industrial relevance to work on. The second part aims to foster coordination and exchange among the selected projects, and other relevant initiatives.

Priority is given to the development of PhD programmes, the integration of AI in curricula (including in non-digital courses) and the organisation of internships. Moreover, enhanced co-operation with the industry is expected to foster an ecosystem of research and development resources as well as expertise and infrastructure in areas such as super-computing, robotics equipment and Internet of Things.

Candidates can submit their proposals until 13 November 2019. The call follows the recent announcement of the €20 million investment for the creation of the AI4EU, an online platform that allows the exchange of AI tools and resources across Europe, in line with the European AI Strategy.