The future of European life sciences
EMBL shares recommendations for European Commission’s strategy for life sciences
With over 50 years of experience advancing life science research across Europe, EMBL submitted a series of recommendations as the European Commission (EC) develops its ‘Strategy for European Life Sciences’. In its response to the EC’s ‘Call for Evidence’, EMBL outlines key priorities for Europe’s continued competitiveness in the life sciences, covering several interconnected areas:
- Investing in fundamental science
- Capitalising on and expanding existing research infrastructures
- Harnessing data and AI for advancing life sciences
- Fostering talent, skills, and public engagement in life sciences
- Driving the translation of life sciences through co-innovation and partnership schemes
Recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning offer a great opportunity for driving discovery and innovation in the life sciences. With life science research relying on complex, diverse, and highly specialised data types, such as omics and imaging data, molecular structures, and clinical records, it is important that AI models are capable of capturing the nuances and variability of biological systems. Among other recommendations, EMBL therefore advocates for Europe’s life science strategy to focus on purpose-built AI solutions designed to meet specific and nuanced demands in the life sciences to ensure the impact of Europe’s AI investments in this field.
In addition, EMBL calls for targeted training programmes to build life scientists’ skills in AI and data literacy. Recognising the vital contributions of engineers in developing AI tools, data platforms, and supporting infrastructures, the paper recommends creating clear career pathways for engineers and going beyond academic publications in research assessment practices.
Finally, EMBL advocates for embedding co-innovation between academia and industry as the ‘new normal’ and enhancing regional connectivity across Europe – critical steps to ensure that life science research translates into real-world impact.
