About ELLIS Denmark
Strengthening basic AI research in Europe and thereby contributing to creating job and economic growth in Europe.
The foundation for the ELLIS Denmark Unit was laid back in 2019, when the original ELLIS Copenhagen Unit was established as part of the first 17 ELLIS units announced on November 1, 2019 and officially launched in September 2020. What began as a Copenhagen‑based initiative has since grown into a nationwide effort to strengthen Denmark’s role in the European machine learning research landscape.
As the time came for renewal, it became clear, that expanding the unit beyond Copenhagen would create a stronger, more connected national ecosystem. This evolution reflects our shared ambition to deepen collaboration across Denmark’s machine learning research environments and to reinforce Denmark’s presence within the broader ELLIS network.
Today, the ELLIS Denmark Unit brings together researchers from the University of Copenhagen (KU), the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), Aalborg University (AAU), Aarhus University (AU), and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). Together, we contribute to the ELLIS mission of advancing basic AI research in Europe and supporting scientific excellence, innovation, and long‑term economic growth.
Creation & Mission
The unit takes part in a wide range of ELLIS activities, including workshops, PhD and postdoc programs, research programs, and innovation initiatives. We encourage collaboration and organize activities for MSc students, PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry partners across the region, with the Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence (P1) serving as a central hub for our efforts.
By expanding from a city‑based unit to a national one, ELLIS Denmark opens the door for more researchers to participate in and contribute to the ELLIS community. This broader, more inclusive structure strengthens Denmark’s position in European AI research and ensures that our national community remains deeply connected, collaborative, and forward‑looking.
The mission of ELLIS is to benefit Europe in two ways:
We want the best basic research to be performed in Europe, to enable Europe to shape how machine learning and modern AI change the world.
We want to have economic impact and create jobs in Europe, and believe this is achieved by outstanding and free basic research.
"Europe possesses a unique blend of scientific excellence and a strong commitment to responsible AI development. I believe that by fostering collaboration and driving innovation through the ELLIS Network, we can ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of this transformative technology."
ELLIS Fellow & Board President
