Hybrid event on AI in scientific research
On Wednesday 24 September 2025, Neth-ER together with its members KNAW, NFU, NWO, TNO and UNL warmly invite you to attend the hybrid event on the impact of AI in research. The rapid rise of generative AI in science brings not only technological advancements but also significant challenges in terms of regulation, policymaking, and implementation. This event aims to streamline policy and exchange best practices, ensuring that AI implementation remains effective, ethical, and practical. For example; what challenges does the current AI Act and related legislation present to the research community? By involving policymakers in Brussels, the event creates a valuable platform to explore solutions collaboratively. Participants will leave with practical tools they can apply in their own work.
Please register here. *Due to limited capacity, in-person attendance will be confirmed on an individual basis. Kindly await confirmation late August prior to attending. The event will be livestreamed with free attendance after registration.
Tentative programme
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14:45 – 14:55
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Walk-in
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15:00 – 15:05
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Introduction by Jurgen Rienks, Director Neth-ER
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15:05 – 15:25
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Keynote speech: state of play on EU policy on AI science
- Mr. Liviu Știrbăț (European Commission), Head of Unit for AI in Science in the Directorate-General RTD at the European Commission.
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| 15:25 – 15:45 |
Keynote speech: AI in practice
- Prof.dr. Gabriele Jacobs (EUR/NWO), Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Culture at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences & member of the Board for Social Sciences and Humanities at the Dutch Research Council (NWO)
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15:45 – 15:55
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Intermezzo with AI or about AI
Each panelist will give a short pitch using AI or about AI
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15:55 – 16:50
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Panel discussion – Best practices of applying AI use in scientific research
Moderator: Mr. Sri Ganesan (TNO), Strategy Analyst at TNO
- Dr. Denise Hilling (ErasmusMC), surgeon and associate professor for development and implementation of AI at Erasmus Medical Centre.
- Dr. Saskia Haitjema (Utrecht UMC), associate professor at the Central Diagnostic Laboratory and head of the Utrecht Patient Oriented Database.
- Ms. Laure Le Bars (SAP Research & Innovation), Research Project Director.
- Ms. Anja Reimann (Netherlands Enterprise Agency / RVO), Head of Unit - Mission driven Research and Innovation.
- Dr. Elaine Zaunseder (European Commission), policy officer at Unit for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Industry in the Directorate-General CONNECT at the European Commission.
Including Q&A
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16:50 – 17:00
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Reflection: Prof.dr. Gabriele Jacobs (EUR/NWO), Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Culture at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences & member of the Board for Social Sciences and Humanities at the Dutch Research Council (NWO)
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17:00 – 17:30
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Networking session
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Context
Much is happening in European AI policy. For example, the Commission published an action plan to position Europe as the AI continent, focusing on digital leadership and boosting AI innovation within the EU. It also launched several consultations to gather input on new strategies, such as the Apply AI Strategy and the European Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Science. In addition, it is seeking expertise on the definition of general-purpose AI models within the AI Act. Many of these initiatives are expected in the third quarter of 2025. Neth-ER published the save the date in May.
