University of Freiburg Selected as an ELIAS Virtual Centre of Excellence
The University of Freiburg has been selected as an ELIAS Virtual Centre of Excellence, further strengthening Freiburg’s role in the European ecosystem for excellent, trustworthy, and sustainable artificial intelligence research.
The European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability (ELIAS), brings together leading institutions across Europe to advance machine learning and artificial intelligence for societal benefit. Its Virtual Centre of Excellence forms the scientific and research backbone of the ELIAS network. It focuses on advancing machine learning across the three core pillars of Sustainable AI: the planet, society, and individuals. Within the pillar of the planet, ELIAS aims to develop hybrid climate and energy models that support more sustainable futures. The society pillar focuses on AI methods that can help safeguard democracy and improve resource coordination. The individuals pillar addresses key questions around privacy, fairness, and trustworthy AI systems.
The University of Freiburg was selected following an evaluation of its institutional profile and proposal. In the invitation letter, the ELIAS coordination team highlighted Freiburg’s distinguished track record in AI research and its clear commitment to the ELIAS mission.
As an ELIAS Virtual Centre of Excellence, Freiburg will contribute to a European network centered on scientific publication, cross-border research collaboration, and PhD and postdoctoral mobility. The network also offers opportunities for collaborative research, researcher exchange, high-level scientific workshops, and stronger links between fundamental AI research, societal impact, and entrepreneurship.
The selection builds on the strong AI research environment in Freiburg, including the activities of the ELLIS Unit Freiburg. The Unit brings together researchers working on machine learning, computer vision, robot learning, automated reasoning, intelligent systems, and trustworthy AI. Through ELIAS, Freiburg will further expand its European collaborations and contribute to shaping the next generation of sustainable and responsible AI technologies.
The ELLIS Unit Freiburg looks forward to contributing as an ELIAS Virtual Centre of Excellence and to strengthening Europe’s AI research landscape through close collaboration with partners across the ELLIS and ELIAS networks.
