Mobility Programs

Exchanging ideas face-to-face, getting to know new research environments and initiating collaborations are crucial for scientific excellence and innovative research in the cutting-edge field of modern AI.

To foster exchange among scientists in Europe, several projects building on ELLIS support junior and senior researchers with dedicated mobility programs. This list gives a brief overview of existing initiatives and their target groups. For the most up-to-date information on the terms and conditions, please check the respective program pages.

ELSA - European Lighthouse on Secure and Safe AI

ELSA mobility program for PhDs, postdocs and experienced researchers

The ELSA mobility grant offers financial support to PhDs and postdocs as well as to experienced researchers who want to explore Europe's vibrant AI research sites and immerse themselves in pioneering projects that make AI safe and secure.  

Support to PhDs and Postdocs as well as to experienced researchers is granted if they travel:

• within a research exchange as part of the ELLIS PhD program

• within a research exchange with an ELSA Partner

• to an ELSA supported event or workshop

See the overview of the program and the application process.

Support to experienced researchers is granted if they:

• within a research visit to an ELSA network member or ELLIS Fellow, Scholar or Member

• attend an ELSA/ELLIS event or workshop

• travel to a scientific event (workshop, conference, etc) that relates to ELSA research topics

• are invited by the steering committee to participate at an ELSA/ELLIS workshop.

See the overview of the program and the application process.

ELIZA - Konrad Zuse School of Excellence in Learning and Intelligent Systems

Scholarships for research stays for ELLIS PhD Students visiting Germany or from Germany

The Konrad Zuse School of Excellence in Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELIZA) is a graduate school in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Besides the PhD program and master stipends, they offer two types of scholarships for the mandatory research stay of ELLIS PhD students with their co-supervisor:

1. ELLIS PhD students outside of Germany, visiting their co-supervisor at an ELIZA site in Germany

2. ELLIS PhD students at a German site, visiting their co-supervisor

The base monthly stipend is 1300€ and offers a relocation package. The scholarship duration is 6-12 months and applies to all ELLIS PhD tracks (academic, industry, interdisciplinary). You can either apply via your supervisor at the German site, or if you do not have one yet, use the general application form and ELIZA will get you in contact with the supervisors you would like to work with.

Learn more about the Zuse School ELIZA.

ELIZA funding opportunities for Master’s students

ELIZA also offers the following support for Master’s students:

1. For outstanding PhD candidates during their Master’s phase who come in with a Bachelor’s degree, there are Research-oriented Master’s scholarship for PhD candidates

2. For highly qualified Master’s students from underrepresented groups (considering all areas of underrepresentation: e.g., gender, sexual orientation, nationality), there are Konrad Zuse Master’s in AI Scholarships for students from underrepresented groups

ELIAS - European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability

For young scientists eager to advance their careers in Europe, mobility is the cornerstone of success. Seize the chance to expand your horizons and forge valuable connections that could shape the future of sustainable innovation and economic development by applying to the ELIAS Mobility Program. Travel within the ELLIS and ELIAS network for a research exchange with industry or academic partners across Europe and join forces to drive your AI and sustainability project to the next level.

ELIAS offers financial support to European-based PhD students and postdocs wanting to collaborate with leading institutions and welcomes applications all year-round. Learn all about the mobility program as well as about the terms and conditions.

Opportunities at ELLIS Units

ELLIS Unit Amsterdam

The ELLIS unit Amstersdam offers mobility programmes for MSc students who are currently studying OR planning to conduct a research visit at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

1. ELLIS Amsterdam MSc Hosting Programme

The ELLIS unit Amsterdam financially supports short visits of MSc students who are studying at an ELLIS institution to the UvA. The ELLIS unit Amsterdam MSc Hosting Programme can be used to cover costs for MSc students obtaining a degree related to Artificial Intelligence to visit an ELLIS member at the UvA in the context of an existing collaboration between an ELLIS member at the UvA and an ELLIS member in a different country. Kindly note that only ELLIS members of the UvA who will be hosting the visiting MSc student can apply for this programme.

Learn more about the Hosting Programme (PDF)

2. ELLIS Amsterdam MSc Honours Programme

The ELLIS unit Amsterdam offers an honours programme for MSc students at the UvA, allowing them to connect with leading researchers and top-tier academics in an ELLIS Unit in a different country. As an ELLIS unit Amsterdam honours student, you will conduct a research project supervised by an ELLIS member at the UvA and an ELLIS member at a different ELLIS unit, and you will make an ELLIS-Amsterdam-sponsored visit to your co-supervisor.

Learn more about the Honours Programme (PDF)

Concluded Projects

ELISE - the European Network of AI Excellence Centres - is a network of artificial intelligence research hubs and associated Fellows which originated from and built on ELLIS. The EU-funded project concluded in August 2024 and supported ELLIS through various ways, including mobility programs. These included:

1. ELISE fellow mobility program for experienced researchers

2. ELISE mobility program for PhD and postdoc students

3. Other ICT48 mobility programs

Check out the ELISE Project Review page