RareGen Youth Network Response to the European Union's Strategy for AI in science 

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across nearly every sector—none more so than science and research. The European Commission’s proposal to develop a unified strategy for AI in science is both timely and vital. However, for the initiative to meet its potential, the strategy must go beyond high-level ambition and meaningfully address implementation gaps, ethical safeguards, funding alignment, interdisciplinary skill development, and equitable access to computing resources.

RareGen Youth Network supports the European Commission’s aim to enhance scientific innovation and strategic autonomy through AI. We urge that the final strategy include provisions to: (1) establish an EU-wide AI research council that operates transparently and includes youth and underrepresented voices; (2) expand infrastructure access, especially for public research institutions and scientific start-ups; (3) strengthen responsible research frameworks that anticipate misuse of foundation models and dual-use technologies; (4) incorporate mission-driven funding streams that support neglected fields and public-good-oriented AI tools; and (5) develop targeted AI skill programs to address the scientific labor gap.

This paper outlines the challenges and proposes specific, actionable recommendations to ensure that AI in science becomes a democratizing, ethical, and innovation-driven tool.

Keywords: Generative AI, European Union, AI in science, Public Polict