AI researchers stress importance of collaborations with UK
In an open letter, 450 leading European researchers from 33 countries have urged European and national governments to strongly cooperate on artificial intelligence , regardless of the Brexit. Leiden professor Holger Hoos is one of the initiators.
'Artificial intelligence is an area that is likely to bring fundamental change to the way we live and work', says the open letter, composed by artificial intelligence organisation CLAIRE (see below). The signatories state that Europe is home to many of the world's best researchers and innovators in artificial intelligence, and many of these are based in the UK. Regardless of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, they write, it is of great importance that all European nations, including the UK, closely collaborate on research and innovation in artificial intelligence.
Read the full press release.
Open Letter to
the President of the European Parliament;
the President of the European Council;
the President of the European Commission;
the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom;
the governments of the member states of the European Union;
the government of Norway and
the government of Switzerland.
Artificial Intelligence is a field of research and technology that is already having an important impact on the citizens and nations across Europe – an impact that is certain to increase significantly in the future. Europe is also home to many of the world's best researchers and innovators in Artificial Intelligence, and many of these are based in the UK, a country with a rich and proud tradition in computing science and Artificial Intelligence.
We – the researchers and stakeholders comprising CLAIRE (the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe; see also below) – believe that, regardless of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, it is of great importance that all European nations, including the UK, closely collaborate on research and innovation in Artificial Intelligence. This is an area that is likely to bring fundamental change to the way we live and work – in the short, medium and long term. It will also play an important role in addressing the grand challenges we face as individuals and as societies. In addition, as a general-purpose technology, Artificial Intelligence is a global “game changer” and a major driver of innovation, future growth, and competitiveness; however, to fully realise the benefits and responsibly manage the risks associated with Artificial intelligence, cooperation across Europe (and beyond) is essential.
We, therefore, urge the stakeholders and decision-makers in the EU and UK to ensure and strengthen ongoing collaboration on Artificial Intelligence between the UK, the EU27 and associated countries, under all possible future relationships between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Among the signatories are 47 Dutch scientists, from all almost all major Dutch universities and TNO.
Read the full list of signatories.
About CLAIRE
CLAIRE, the Confederation of Laboratories for Artificial Intelligence Research in Europe, seeks to strengthen European excellence in human-centred artificial intelligence research and innovation, aiming to achieve impact and brand recognition similar to CERN.
The CLAIRE network is comprised of 244 Artificial Intelligence laboratories and institutes, which jointly employ over 7000 artificial intelligence experts and support staff. CLAIRE is also supported by over 2600 individuals, including more than 1500 PhD-level experts in artificial intelligence and more than 600 supporters from industry; by 20 national artificial intelligence associations; by the European Association for Artificial Intelligence (EurAI); by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI); and by the European Space Agency (ESA).
CLAIRE aims to establish Europe as a hotbed of artificial intelligence research and innovation, by creating a network of centres of excellence in artificial intelligence, strategically located throughout Europe, and a new, central hub, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, and fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise.
More information about CLAIRE.