A new report from the European Research Council (ERC) highlights the crucial role of AI research in reshaping healthcare and supporting the implementation of the EU’s framework for trustworthy AI. Focusing on ERC-funded health projects, it demonstrates how frontier research is contributing to safer, more transparent, and more effective AI systems across Europe.

The report analyses 238 ERC-funded projects applying AI in health, supported under FP7, Horizon 2020, and Horizon Europe, with a total budget of €450 million. These projects use AI to support disease prevention and early detection, improve diagnosis, optimise treatments, and develop clinical decision-support systems.

A deeper analysis of 59 of these ERC-funded AI health projects, supported by the Horizon Results Booster, assesses their impact across scientific and societal dimensions and examines their outcomes and impact using qualitative and quantitative indicators, from publications to broader societal effects. In collaboration with the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), it also identifies synergies with projects funded under Horizon Europe.

Supporting the EU AI Act and policy frameworks

The report also outlines how ERC-funded projects can support the implementation of the EU AI Act, under which most medical AI systems are classified as “high-risk” and must meet strict standards for transparency, safety, and accuracy. In addition, these projects contribute to key initiatives such as the European Health Data Space and the EU’s Apply AI Strategy, with many already aligned with these frameworks and actively developing practical approaches to meet regulatory requirements.

Future directions

Looking ahead, the report highlights key recommendations from ERC-funded researchers, including the need for stable, long-term funding to support frontier research and bring early discoveries into clinical use. It also stresses the importance of strong computing infrastructure, access to high-quality health data, and greater European sovereignty in health data and AI.

More details available here.