European Research Council Created Dedicated AI Panel
The newly announced PE12 panel will evaluate fundamental research starting in the 2028 funding cycle.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
Live Poll
Do you believe creating specialized scientific evaluation panels for AI research is a good idea?
The European Research Council has announced the creation of PE12, a dedicated evaluation panel specifically for fundamental artificial intelligence research. This shift formally separates AI-focused academic inquiry from the existing PE6 computer science panel.
Why it matters
The change responds to a surge in AI-related submissions, ensuring that researchers in the field receive evaluations within a specialized scientific context. This structural adjustment aims to accommodate the rising volume of proposals under the next Research Framework Programme.
The new PE12 panel scope encompasses machine learning, reasoning, autonomous systems, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI. It replaces the previous method of evaluating these proposals within the broader PE6 computer science panel.
The players
European Research Council
An EU-backed funding body that selects and supports the best researchers of any nationality and age to run projects based in Europe.
The details
The panel is designed to manage the increasing density of proposals focused on algorithmic foundations and system architectures. By extracting AI from the PE6 panel—which previously covered the entirety of computer science and informatics—the Council intends to provide a higher degree of expertise in peer review. This administrative pivot applies to the upcoming Research Framework Programme starting in 2028.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The European Research Council announced the formation of the PE12 panel.
2028: The PE12 panel will begin operations for new funding calls.
The Tech Race
The creation of PE12 follows a pattern of global funding agencies adapting their review structures to handle the accelerating output of AI research. This move positions the agency to more effectively manage the competitive landscape of fundamental machine learning and generative models.
Researchers specializing in fundamental AI will face a new review environment starting in 2028. This change necessitates that applicants align their proposals with the new PE12 scope rather than the broader computer science guidelines previously used.
The takeaway
The move signals that AI research has reached a critical volume requiring independent administrative oversight within top-tier funding bodies. Researchers should monitor the European Research Council's portal for the upcoming 2028 call specifications and revised submission criteria.
What happens next
The panel is scheduled to begin accepting and evaluating research proposals for the 2028 ERC calls.
Further reading
For broader trends in research infrastructure, see our latest coverage on Artificial Intelligence.
Live Poll
Do you believe creating specialized scientific evaluation panels for AI research is a good idea?
