Recent advances in AI, particularly in Generative AI and AI for Science, are revolutionising the research landscape in the natural sciences. A notable example of AI for science is AlphaFold, an AI breakthrough released by Google DeepMind in 2021 that predicts the 3D structures of all known proteins, a problem that has engaged researchers in the last decade (Nobel prize in chemistry in 2024). To unleash the full potential of AI-driven scientific discoveries, NAIS provides a novel discussion forum to gather domain experts from various sciences. Researchers across disciplines must harness fundamental AI tools to effectively engage with state-of-the-art methods, thus boosting scientific discoveries. NAIS is an interdisciplinary network within the field of AI, initially focused on applications in molecular and life sciences, but open to all NAT researchers. Its aim is to assemble knowledge and expertise, while integrating with other relevant activities within AU, such as the NAT AI lab. We particularly emphasise research in AI methods, as well as applied AI deployments.

We create a network to connect researchers and AI users, enabling them to share domain expertise, methods, and best practices. It serves as a meeting point with low entry barriers, featuring activities of value and share knowledge and expertise. We offer opportunities for creating sub-groups to collaborate on specific AI themes, contribute to other NAT and AU initiatives (e.g., the NAT AI lab), and boost our impact by synergizing towards external funding opportunities. AU has already invested substantial resources in AI infrastructure, hardware and staff. Our network will provide coordination across AU NAT researchers, allowing them to efficiently exploit these resources, create awareness of other available resources, and generate impact across Danish and international landscapes.