TL;DR:
- The European Commission is still looking for a lead scientific advisor on AI despite receiving dozens of applications.
- The advisor should lead the scientific approach on General-Purpose AI within the AI unit of the European Commission.
- The recruitment process is ongoing, with the Commission preferring a candidate from a European country.
- The EU’s AI Act, which regulates AI tools according to the risk they pose to society, is set to become fully applicable in 2027.
The European Commission’s search for a lead scientific advisor on AI continues, with the position still unfilled despite dozens of applications. The advisor will play a crucial role in leading the scientific approach on General-Purpose AI within the AI unit of the European Commission. According to the job description, the advisor should ensure an advanced level of scientific understanding on General-Purpose AI and lead the scientific approach on all aspects of the work of the AI Office.
Applications from Non-EU candidates considered
The recruitment process is ongoing, with the Commission preferring a candidate from a European country. However, the Commission has stated that it will consider applications from non-EU candidates based on the needs of the service. The position is critical in ensuring the EU’s AI strategy is scientifically sound and effective in regulating AI tools.
The EU’s AI Act, which regulates AI tools according to the risk they pose to society, is set to become fully applicable in 2027. The Act aims to ensure that AI systems are safe and trustworthy, and that their development and use are transparent and accountable. The lead scientific advisor will play a key role in implementing the AI Act and ensuring that the EU’s AI strategy is aligned with its values and principles.
Advisor expected to give scientific guidance and expertise
As the EU continues to develop its AI strategy, the lack of a lead scientific advisor on AI is a significant concern. The advisor will be responsible for providing scientific guidance and expertise to the AI Office, and their absence may hinder the EU’s ability to effectively regulate AI tools. The Commission has stated that it is committed to finding the right candidate for the position and is working to finalize the recruitment process as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the EU’s AI Act is moving forward, with the Commission publishing draft guidelines on prohibited AI practices and the definition of AI systems. The guidelines aim to provide clarity on the scope of the AI Act and ensure that AI systems are developed and used in a way that is transparent, accountable, and respectful of human rights.
EU AI regulation is being closely watched by others
The EU’s approach to AI regulation is being closely watched by other countries and regions, and the lack of a lead scientific advisor on AI may impact the EU’s ability to influence global AI governance. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the EU’s AI strategy will be critical in shaping the future of AI development and use.
References
[^1]: Cynthia Kroet (2025-05-16). “EU Commission still lacking lead scientific advisor on AI despite dozens of applications“. Euronews. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
[^2]: Yahoo (2025-05-16). “EU Commission still lacking lead scientific advisor on AI despite dozens of applications“. Yahoo News. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
