The European Commission has presented the drafts of the Horizon Europe 2026-2027 work programmes, which will feature a new horizontal approach linking two strategic areas: AI applied to scientific research and Clean Industrial Deal.

The main objective of the strategy is the creation of the “Resource for Artificial Intelligence Science in Europe” (RAISE), a virtual institute intended to realise the Commission's commitment to create a “CERN for Artificial Intelligence” that will help scientists develop AI tools to accelerate their research.

According to the draft, approximately EUR 100 million will be allocated to five pilot calls, coming from Clusters 4 and 6 of Horizon Europe. Specifically, EUR 28 million will be allocated to two pilot networks of laboratories dedicated to the application of artificial intelligence to scientific research in specific disciplines, in particular agricultural and environmental pollution sciences. Approximately EUR 33 million will be allocated to efforts to increase the efficiency, productivity and reproducibility of science, as well as to the implementation of automated research environment systems that integrate decision-making processes based on artificial intelligence. Furthermore, doctoral networks to train researchers in the use of AI-based scientific tools and methodologies.

The other horizontal call in the draft work programme will focus on decarbonisation, driven by the policy of the Clean Industrial Deal, with an estimated budget of EUR 540 million. The call will be divided into two main open themes, the first on decarbonization of energy-intensive industries (expected EUR 125 million in both 2016 and 12017) and the second on development of clean technologies for climate action (EUR 150 million foreseen for 2026 and EUR 140 million for 2027). Researchers will be encouraged to coordinate with projects funded under the framework, such as those of  Processes4Planet e Clean Steel Partnerships.

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