Three Projects Selected from Over 100 Applications
The results of the 2026 Franco-British Sophie Germain Call have just been announced. Out of 105 applications submitted, ten projects were selected, including three involving teams from the Paris-Saclay research ecosystem, two of which are affiliated with the DataIA Institute.
This year's call focuses on artificial intelligence and health, aiming to foster scientific collaboration between France and the United Kingdom. Selected projects can receive up to €50,000 in funding to support exchanges between research teams, researcher mobility and the development of new joint research initiatives.
These results highlight the strength of the Paris-Saclay research ecosystem and its ability to develop international scientific partnerships addressing major challenges in AI.
From Entente CordIAle to Concrete Scientific Collaborations
This achievement builds on the momentum of the Entente CordIAle Paris-Saclay – Oxford-Cambridge AI Initiative, a strategic partnership officially launched in July 2025, bringing together Université Paris-Saclay, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, HEC Paris and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
The initiative aims to strengthen long-term cooperation in artificial intelligence through joint research projects, scientific exchanges and interdisciplinary initiatives.
On 21–22 May 2026, this collaborative effort took shape through the Franco-British “Core AI & AI for Science” workshop, held at the Inria Saclay research centre, bringing together researchers from the partner institutions.
Organized by DataIA Institute and Hi! PARIS, with the support of Demian Wassermann, then Deputy Scientific Director of DataIA, the event brought together research communities working on fundamental AI, health and AI for science. Talks, scientific presentations and poster sessions encouraged discussions and helped identify new opportunities for collaboration.
A few months later, the results of the Sophie Germain Call demonstrate how these initial scientific exchanges are now translating into concrete collaborative projects.
Demian Wassermann Among the Selected Researchers
Among the successful applicants is Demian Wassermann, former Deputy Scientific Director of the DataIA Institute, whose project is carried out in collaboration with Thomas Nichols, Professor at the University of Oxford.
Both researchers took part in the workshop held in Saclay last May, which notably explored applications of artificial intelligence in scientific research and healthcare.
For Demian Wassermann, this selection represents another step towards strengthening scientific cooperation between the two countries:
“I am delighted that our team has been selected for this funding. Strengthening scientific exchanges between Paris-Saclay and Oxford/Cambridge will enable us to advance research in digital health and lay solid foundations for future collaborations between the four Franco-British research hubs.” — Demian Wassermann
Strengthening International Collaboration in AI
Beyond recognizing the achievements of the selected teams, these results open up new opportunities for Franco-British scientific cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence and health.
For the Paris-Saclay DataIA Institute, they highlight the importance of collective initiatives that bring research communities together, encourage international exchanges and support the development of ambitious scientific projects.
