ELLIS Sites

ELLIS is establishing a network of research sites across Europe, comprised of ELLIS Units and Institutes. These sites serve as hubs for world-class AI research, bringing together top researchers and fostering collaborations with industry.

Call for new ELLIS Units

There is a current call for proposals for ELLIS Units, to start a new Unit or expand an existing one.

ELLIS Units

Hubs that bring together leading AI scientists at existing research institutions, fostering collaboration and excellence at a specific location.

ELLIS Associate Units

Emerging labs that show strong potential but lack the critical mass, resources, or recognition required to function as full Units.

ELLIS Institutes

Newly created centers designed to achieve international excellence, drive innovation, and attract top AI talent from around the world.

ELLIS Sites by the Numbers

42

Units

1

Associate Unit

2

Institutes

17

Countries

60

Associated Institutions

Find a Site

"The goal of becoming an ELLIS Unit was to foster excellence in AI research and strengthen collaboration with top European institutions for a stronger, united Europe in AI."

Tomasz Trzciński
Tomasz Trzciński

Director, ELLIS Unit Warsaw

Latest News from ELLIS Sites

ELLIS Sites Helmholtz-ELLIS Workshop on Foundation Models in Science with a group picture of workshop attendees
March 25th, 2025
The Helmholtz-ELLIS Workshop Explored the Role of Foundation Models Across Diverse Research Fields
The Helmholtz-ELLIS Workshop on Foundation Models in Science brought top researchers together to explore AI’s transformative role across disciplines like materials...
March 3rd, 2025
ELLIS Unit Vienna: Committed to Interdisciplinarity and Academic Freedom
The ELLIS Unit Vienna, based at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), stands out for its interdisciplinary approach and broad scope. As part of the...
February 27th, 2025
Members of the European Parliament discuss AI Act Implementation at ELLIS Unit Alicante
Alicante, February 26, 2025 – A delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) met with researchers at ELLIS Unit Alicante to discuss the...

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Background & Future of ELLIS Sites

The ELLIS Units were officially launched in September 2020, following the announcement of the first 17 units in December 2019. This marked a significant milestone in the ELLIS initiative, demonstrating rapid progress towards securing the future of European AI research. To promote world-class research environments, ELLIS established these Units through a stringent selection process aimed at assembling leading AI researchers and ensuring high standards of excellence. Each Unit unites top-tier researchers at its respective site and meets strict criteria designed to uphold excellence and maximize global competitiveness.

In addition to its grassroots efforts, ELLIS advocates for European countries to establish larger ELLIS Institutes capable of competing with leading academic and industry institutions worldwide. These Institutes will function as hubs of AI excellence, attracting top global talent and fostering innovation through close collaboration between academia and industry. ELLIS encourages European nations to invest in these Institutes to enhance their ability to compete on a global scale with the world’s top research centers.

Discover the Sites

Profiles of ELLIS Sites including their main research areas, accomplishments, and people.

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