Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly visible part of the everyday work of researchers, evaluators and research support professionals. It helps structure ideas, analyse information, draft texts and work with large volumes of data. At the same time, it raises questions that the research community is still learning how to answer. These questions will be at the heart of “Exploring the Role of AI in Research”, taking place in Brussels on 20 October 2026. Registration is open.
The event is jointly organised by the Brussels-based R&I liaison offices of the Visegrad countries: CZELO, NRDIO, PolSCA and SLORD. Each year, the V4 R&I conference focuses on an issue that is increasingly shaping the European research and innovation landscape. This year’s topic is one that can no longer be treated simply as something for the future.
AI in proposal writing: assistant or co-author?
The first part of the conference will focus on the use of AI in the preparation of research proposals. The discussion will go beyond the question of which tools are currently available. More importantly, it will address how they are being used. Where is the line between useful support and overreliance on technology? How can researchers retain ownership of their ideas and responsibility for the content of a proposal? And how is AI changing the very process of developing and presenting project concepts? The conversation will bring together the perspectives of researchers and professionals involved in research funding and research support.
What happens on the other side of the process?
The second part of the conference will turn to proposal evaluation. As generative AI becomes more common, new questions are also emerging for evaluators and funding organisations. How can we understand the role AI may have played in preparing an application? Can AI-based tools support the evaluation process itself? And how can transparency, research integrity and accountability be maintained? These questions will form the basis of the afternoon discussion.
European perspective on AI in science
The conference will be opened by Liviu Știrbăț, Head of AI in Science at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.
His contribution will place the discussion in a broader European context, looking at current initiatives around the use of AI in research, the skills needed to work with these technologies and the principles for their responsible use. The programme will also bring together representatives of research funding organisations, universities, research institutions and the wider expert community from across Europe.
For those already using AI, and those still looking for answers
The conference is addressed to researchers, research managers, proposal evaluators, research support professionals, as well as those working in research policy and funding. No specialist knowledge of artificial intelligence is required. The aim is to create a space for an open discussion about how AI is already affecting research and the grant process, and how these tools can be used responsibly and with greater awareness.
Participation is subject to prior registration.
The detailed programme and registration form are available on the event site.
