“AI-driven science extends beyond academia, fostering both innovation and economic growth,” declared the Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation, Signe Ratso, while participating in the event “Leadership in Research and Innovation in the Age of AI”, an initiative of INESC Brussels HUB, co-organized with the European Commission and the NCBR Office in Brussels.

Over 60 leading R&D administrators, managers, researchers, and policymakers gathered in Brussels, on June 5 and 6, to discuss this crucial topic in a workshop format, sharing insights and developing strategies to face the challenges posed by AI. INESC-ID President, Inês Lynce, who was one of the six INESC-ID community members participating in the event, emphasized the “diversity of the attendees” and the “strong expertise in public policies some of them possess.”

The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the EU strategy on AI since 2018 and initiatives like GENAI4EU and AI Factories and the “Living guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research”, as presented by Liviy Stirbat, Head of Unit for AI in Science in the DG for Research and Innovation at the European Commission. From the companies’ side, Ondrej Socuvka, Senior EU Public Policy and Government Affairs Manager at Google EU, shared how Google scientists are pushing AI’s boundaries responsibly.

“Listening to different perspectives concerning the use of AI in research institutions, in order to help us work better and improve the way they function, is what I cherish the most from the two days with the Brussels Hub,” said Rui Prada, INESC-ID researcher within the Artificial Intelligence for People and Society research area. “These events give us the opportunity to reflect on subjects that we often do not have time to consider in our daily lives.”

Inês Lynce also stressed the relevance of these immersive experiences: “It forces you to leave your comfort zone and think about the future of the institution and how we can make a difference.”

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