Objective
Where do new scientific ideas come from? That is the question at the root of research on scientific discovery. In the past decade, AI-augmented methods have shaken the practices of discovery across a range of research fields: AlphaFold solved the long-standing protein folding problem; automated discovery methods are being used to decipher ancient scripts once considered unreadable, and to synthesize drugs for previously untreatable diseases. According to the most enthusiastic advocates, in less than a decade, AI will transform practices of research beyond recognition.
Should the novel scientific findings generated by AI-powered systems like AlphaFold be considered as instances of machine creativity? When does human-AI collaboration lead to successful scientific problem solving, and when does it fail? Are AI systems reconfiguring the scientific method? Currently we cannot answer such questions, because systematic empirical studies of problem-solving activities in AI-augmented labs have not been conducted. Nor do we have the conceptual tools needed to evaluate the rationality of problem solving in AI-augmented labs. That is the gap the SCI-AI project addresses. The main aim of the project is to generate understanding of the AI-augmented discovery transformation and its consequences for the development of human knowledge. The main objectives are:
(A) to uncover and analyze problem-solving processes in AI-augmented labs,
(B) to examine the implications of AI-augmented discovery for the epistemology of science, and
(C) to use automated discovery as a mirror for exploring human creativity and intellect.
To reach these objectives, the project combines philosophical analysis with computational models of problem solving and ethnographic fieldwork that we conduct in three frontier AI labs (a self-driving lab in biology, a closed-loop behavioural science lab, and a virtual lab using digital twin technology in drug development and atmospheric research).
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- humanities philosophy, ethics and religion philosophy epistemology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- social sciences sociology industrial relations automation
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
00014 HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO
Finland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.