ELIAS

Call: HORIZON-CL4-2022-HUMAN-02
Project number: 101120237
Type of Action: Horizon Research and Innovation Actions
Granting Authority: European Commission
Duration: 1.9.2023 – 31.8.2027 (48 months)

Website: https://elias-ai.eu/

We live in a crucial historical moment, facing monumental environmental challenges ranging from climate change to the energy crisis. ELIAS—Horizon Europe’s European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability—was established on the belief that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. At the same time, the development of AI presents profound ethical and societal considerations that demand careful attention.

ELIAS advances fundamental research by addressing key scientific questions about how AI can reduce computational costs, model the societal impacts of policy decisions, and assess its effects on individuals. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and industry-focused applications, fostering a collaborative environment that accelerates innovation.

Building upon the success of the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS), ELIAS refines and expands its excellence criteria to support researchers and emerging talents across all career stages. ELIAS also introduces a Sciencentrepreneurship track, designed to attract and empower individuals at the intersection of scientific innovation and business, ultimately driving original AI solutions for a sustainable future.

The ultimate goal of ELIAS is to establish Europe as a global leader in AI research, where environmental impact, societal relevance, and individual well-being are integral considerations. Success will be measured through new collaborations, industry-academic partnerships, impactful publications, patents, and deployed technologies that demonstrate tangible, transformative outcomes.

ELIAS addresses pressing global challenges, including climate change and the energy crisis, which demand sustainable and innovative solutions. These environmental threats are compounded by ethical and societal concerns surrounding AI, such as bias, misuse, and disruption, which require careful navigation and responsible innovation.

Moreover, there is a disconnect between academic research and industrial application, which limits the broader impact of AI. ELIAS seeks to bridge this gap by fostering collaboration and creating scalable, ethical technologies that benefit society and the planet.

ELIAS combines fundamental research with practical application. It investigates how AI can reduce computational costs, model policy impacts, and address societal needs, while ensuring sustainability and ethical integrity.

The project integrates academia and industry, fostering partnerships that translate discoveries into real-world solutions. Through its Sciencentrepreneurship track, ELIAS empowers innovators to develop AI technologies that support sustainability, human rights, and social cohesion.

By prioritizing cross-disciplinary collaboration and ethical development, ELIAS ensures its contributions extend beyond theory to create tangible benefits for the world at large.

ELIAS aims to position Europe as a global leader in AI research, based on its commitment to sustainability, ethical considerations, and societal impact. Key outcomes include:

• New cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
• Strengthened partnerships between academia and industry.
• Publications in leading conferences and journals.
• The generation of patents and the deployment of transformative technologies.

New generation of AI researchers and entrepreneurs equipped to tackle global challenges.
By achieving these goals, ELIAS will make a lasting impact on both the scientific community and society at large.

ELIAS unites 34 leading institutions from 17 European countries. Academic partners provide cutting-edge research and innovation, while industry collaborators ensure practical implementation. Experts in ethics and policy guide responsible AI development. Together, this diverse consortium is equipped to address ELIAS’ multifaceted goals and challenges. For a complete list of partners and their contributions, visit the official ELIAS website.