Artificial intelligence in science

AI is one of the most disruptive sets of technologies our society has. AI has some characteristics of a ‘general purpose technology’, being applied in all sectors at high speed and in a disruptive manner, with the promise that it could achieve, and even surpass in some aspects, human abilities.

While science may serve as basis for developing AI-based applications, science is also to be considered as a specific field in which AI can be applied: some of the most complex scientific problems can be tackled with AI technologies (including, but not limited to, data-intensive problems). AI can be a big boost to research, accelerating scientific discoveries and bringing greater societal benefits more quickly.

The Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission has been asked to provide recommendations on how the European Commission can accelerate a responsible uptake of AI in science (including providing access to high-quality AI, respecting European values) in order to boost the EU’s innovation and prosperity, strengthen EU’s position in science, and ultimately contribute to solving Europe’s societal challenges.