The ELIAS (European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability) project is proud to announce a significant expansion of its Virtual Centre of Excellence (VCE). By integrating a new cohort of leading European research institutions and universities, ELIAS continues to strengthen its mission of developing a connected, inclusive, and sustainability-oriented AI ecosystem fully embedded within the ELLIS Network.
The ELIAS VCE serves as a shared framework for collaboration, focusing on advancing machine learning methods that address critical challenges across three core dimensions: the planet, society, and the individual. This expansion reinforces Europe's position as a global leader in high-impact, trustworthy and Sustainable AI research through increased interdisciplinarity and geographical inclusion.
This evolution is visually captured across our network maps, reflecting a substantial widening of the project's pan-European footprint. While ELIAS originally consisted of 35 top European organisations across 17 countries, the integration of this new cohort adds 14 more organisations—bringing the network to a total of 49 members. This growth successfully bridges regional gaps, weaving a much stronger and more cohesive scientific ecosystem across the continent.
Newly Approved Member Organisations
Following a rigorous, excellence-driven selection process, the following organisations have been recommended for inclusion in the ELIAS VCE:
Driving Sustainable Innovation
The inclusion of these institutions brings specialised expertise to the interconnected pillars of the ELIAS Strategic Research Agenda. From creating hybrid AI models for climate resilience to developing systems that ensure algorithmic fairness and safety, these new members will play a pivotal role in training the next generation of AI talent through joint doctoral tracks and mobility schemes.
Through ELIAS, the network grows in a transparent and excellence-driven manner, supporting the inclusion of new ELIAS Members and ensuring compliance with rigorous scientific standards. Cecilia Zanazzo, Project Manager of ELIAS
The collective impact of these new members will significantly advance research in sustainable AI, fostering innovation that aligns with EU values.
For more information about the ELIAS Virtual Centre of Excellence, please visit the the following page: ELIAS Network
Access Press Release here: 2026-07-06 – Press Release: ELIAS VCE Expansion.pdf