Call for Nominations: ELLIS Fellows & Scholars 2025

Call for nominations to recognise outstanding AI researchers driving Europe’s future in machine learning and intelligent systems.
26 June 2025

The European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) is accepting nominations for new Fellows and Scholars

Inspired by the Canadian CIFAR network (formerly LMB CIFAR), the ELLIS Fellowship Program brings together outstanding researchers through collaborative groups that focus on key research themes via workshops and ongoing collaboration.

This initiative serves two key purposes:

  1. Recognising and supporting top-tier researchers who are advancing the frontiers of machine learning and AI.
  2. Building a strong, connected European AI community that can influence strategic directions—similar to the Canadian experience, which led to the creation of Mila (Montreal), Vector (Toronto), and Amii (Edmonton) under a national AI strategy.

About ELLIS Fellows and Scholars

ELLIS Fellows are outstanding senior researchers—typically with more than ten years of post-PhD experience—who play a key role in shaping the scientific and strategic vision of ELLIS. They act as ambassadors, provide leadership, and actively  contribute to strengthening the ELLIS ecosystem.

ELLIS Scholars are exceptional early-career researchers—often assistant professors—with up to ten years of post-PhD experience, who are clearly on a trajectory towards becoming future Fellows.

For ease of reference, the term “Fellow” is used below to encompass both Fellows and Scholars.

Key Contributions of Fellows

Beyond research excellence and community-building, ELLIS Fellows contribute to the network in several key ways:

  • Supervising students in the ELLIS PhD program
  • Supporting the establishment of the  ELLIS Units and Institutes
  • Providing strategic input on the growth and direction of ELLIS
  • Participating in the selection process for new Fellows

Fellowship Programs unite researchers through regular meetings held across Europe, encouraging the exchange of ideas, strengthening community ties, and enhancing the international visibility of European AI research. 

These programs are currently supported by the ELIAS project, with fellowships guaranteed until the end of ELIAS funding (2027).

Nomination Process

Selection is based on:
  • scientific excellence
  • societal impact, 
  • relationship to ELLIS

Only ELLIS Program and Unit Directors are eligible to nominate candidates for Fellowship.

Nominations are evaluated by current Fellows who:
  • Are from different countries than the candidate
  • Hold different nationalities
  • Have no conflict of interest
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Evaluation Criteria (Not Exhaustive)
  • Strong publication record in leading conferences and journals
  • High citation impact
  • International awards and recognitions

Detailed guidelines on the evaluation criteria were recently updated and can be found here .

    How to Apply

    Interested researchers should reach out directly to the relevant Director.

    🗓️ Deadline for nominations: September 30th, 2025

    More details and the full nomination guidelines are available at:🔗 Open Call for ELLIS Fellows and Scholar nominations 2025

    View last year’s call and selected Fellows & Scholars: 🔗 Fellows & Scholar

    Have Questions?

    For further information or queries, please contact:

    Giulia Clerici

    📧 admin-fellows@ellis.eu

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