IMBA has been awarded funding through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) “Choose Europe for Science” initiative to establish the “da Vinci” Postdoctoral Fellowship Network, a new program at the interface of artificial intelligence and experimental biology.

“IMBA is actively shaping the integration of artificial intelligence into experimental biology, says Emmanouella Chatzidaki-Trinks, Head of Scientific Affairs at IMBA. “We see a major shift from descriptive to predictive biology, driven by the integration of AI approaches in the life sciences, and this project will help drive that transformation at IMBA, hopefully with an impact across the Vienna BioCenter and beyond.”

Coordinated at IMBA, the network will train six postdoctoral fellows to apply cutting-edge AI and deep learning approaches to foundational biological questions, with a focus on organoids, genome regulation, and complex multicellular systems. By embedding computational researchers directly within experimental environments, da Vinci aims to accelerate discovery through an iterative cycle of data generation, modelling, and experimental validation.

The program is supported with approximately 1.5 million Euro in MSCA funding, complemented by long-term institutional commitment from Group Leaders at IMBA. Fellows will benefit from an extended five-year employment model, providing stability and strong career development opportunities.

Da Vinci brings together a high-profile network of academic and industrial partners, including Aithyra, EMBL, the University of Cambridge, SciLifeLab, and biotech innovators at the Vienna BioCenter. The program also integrates training in data stewardship, FAIR principles, and the responsible use of AI.

“This sends a clear signal that Vienna is an outstanding place to build a career in the life sciences, including in areas at the forefront of discovery, such as AI and synthetic biology. As a campus, we are highly attractive internationally and committed to supporting the next generation of scientific leaders,” says Elly Tanaka, Scientific Director of IMBA.

With this initiative, IMBA further strengthens its position as a leading European center for basic biomedical research and innovation, contributing to a dynamic ecosystem that connects fundamental science with emerging technologies and translational applications.

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