25 ELLIS Units Successfully Extended

The mission of ELLIS is to build an AI research community of excellent talent, which actively engages in pioneering activities to make European AI globally competitive and to nurture its positive impact on society. One of the key mechanisms to achieve this mission is a network of research sites distributed across Europe, consisting of ELLIS Units and Institutes. Units bring together the best AI researchers at their locations and must fulfill a set of criteria to ensure excellence and remain maximally competitive at the international level.

The evaluation process for reapplications was conducted against six core criteria: 

1. Major achievements and future plans

2. Critical mass and scientific excellence 

3. Engagement in the ELLIS PhD network

4. Gender diversity

5. Contribution to the ELLIS Society

6. Collaborative output with researchers across the broader ELLIS network

“These 25 Units exemplify what ELLIS stands for — great science, meaningful collaboration, and a shared commitment to making Europe a global leader in AI. We are proud to see them continue their important work,“ stated ELLIS Fellow and Units Committee Lead Josef Sivic (Czech Technical University, Unit Director at ELLIS Unit Prague)

The successful continuation of these 25 Units reflects not only individual institutional achievement but also the collective vitality of the ELLIS network. As they enter their next five-year cycle, their continued presence strengthens the network's capacity to ensure that European AI research remains at the forefront of global scientific progress while generating measurable positive impact on society.

See all renewed ELLIS Units: