Science for AI and AI in science
RAISE is conceived as a virtual research institute for excellent European research on and with AI. It will pool computational power, data, talent and research funding and make this available to European researchers. By creating synergies and stimulating a cross-disciplinary dynamic among excellent researchers and labs working with AI, it aims to unlock scientific breakthroughs and develop novel AI technologies, reinforcing Europe’s global competitiveness in AI science.
Access to excellence, increased computational capacity, access to data and research funding.
Funding opportunities
At its start, the RAISE pilot is exclusively funded via Horizon Europe, with EUR 33 million of dedicated funding in WP25 and EUR 107 million in WP26-27.
There are currently 2 open calls
- Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science (RAISE pilot) (RIA)
- Thematic Networks of Excellence for AI in Science – Agriculture and Environmental Pollution
Further calls (Work Programme 2026-27 dedicated RAISE funding):
- Pilot of the “Science for AI” Pillar of RAISE
- RAISE Doctoral Networks (with MSCA-REA)
- Scientific Laboratory Automation (WP27)
- materials science
- food
Upcoming RAISE actions
Horizon Europe contribution to the AI Gigafactories (mio 600 EUR)
- A strong investment in AI in Science
- Important contribution to RAISE
ERA Action on AI in Science
- Officially launched on 4 November 2025 at the AI in Science Summit 2025
- Discussions with Member States & Stakeholders building participation in RAISE
RAISE Scientific Advisory Board
- High-level expert group to provide scientific guidance for RAISE
- Call for expression of interest to be launched early 2026
Background
The concept of RAISE was unveiled in the European Strategy for AI in Science published in October 2025. RAISE will be the home of targeted Thematic Networks of Excellence in which excellent research labs will push the boundaries of their discipline (either in AI in science or science for AI). A central secretariat will interconnect these Networks to make sure AI-based advances in one discipline can push other areas forward as well. It will also facilitate access to pooled resources, spanning computational power, data, talent and research funding.
The pilot of RAISE was launched by Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen and European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva in November 2025.
The SCIANCE Coordination and Support Action will support the development of RAISE and coordinate AI-enabled scientific research across Europe through a bottom-up, community-driven approach. The project mobilises leading European scientific organisations and research infrastructures across five scientific pilot areas (fundamental physics and astronomy, materials science, life science, earth sciences, and social sciences and humanities) together with AI research centres and e-infrastructures. SCIANCE will identify AI in science research and innovation priorities and pilot the structure of the RAISE Secretariat for AI in science.