ELIAS Strengthens Interdisciplinary AI Research Through ELLIS PhD Program
The European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability (ELIAS) is shaping the next generation of AI researchers—through the ELLIS PhD Program—by uniting cutting-edge technical training with ethical responsibility and a focus on sustainable impact.
Press Release: ELIAS Strengthens Interdisciplinary AI Research Through ELLIS PhD Program
The European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability (ELIAS) is shaping the next generation of AI researchers—through the ELLIS PhD Program—by uniting cutting-edge technical training with ethical responsibility and a focus on sustainable impact.
Trento, Italy – May 27, 2025
ELIAS is reinforcing its commitment to developing responsible and impactful AI by supporting the Interdisciplinary Track within the ELLIS PhD & Postdoc Program, now marking its first full year.
This pioneering track connects AI experts and researchers whose primary expertise lies outside of machine learning, such as biology, law, climate science, and humanities, fostering collaboration through a unique dual-supervision model that blends technical excellence with societal relevance.
“Through this track, ELIAS is helping nurture AI researchers who not only understand the algorithms, but also the broader systems they influence—equipping them to engage deeply with disciplines such as biology, law, climate science, and the humanities. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and dual supervision, the program ensures that technical innovation goes hand in hand with societal insight and responsibility.” said [Nicu Sebe, ELIAS Coordinator].
Reflecting the need for context-aware, inclusive and sustainability-driven research, the track pairs PhD students with supervisors in both AI and a complementary discipline. The 2023–2024 cohort is already delivering high-impact work in areas like synthetic biology and Earth system science — showcasing the program’s transformative potential.
