Harnessing the Potential of Artificial Intelligence for the Life Sciences

The great potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for the life sciences - from basic research in biology to medical applications - has to date largely been neglected. To leverage that potential in future, researchers from Heidelberg University, the German Cancer Research Center, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have founded a new research unit. It aims to support AI research in the life sciences and forge international links with activities in Heidelberg. The unit is part of the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS). ELLIS Life Heidelberg will initially be funded by the founding institutions for five years. According to Theresia Bauer, Science Minister of Baden-Württemberg, artificial intelligence and machine learning are key technologies and drivers of innovation for our future. As a research location, Baden-Württemberg offers huge potential in this area, including the research institutions in Heidelberg, which are "leaders in the development of AI applications in the field of medicine and the life sciences".