HaDEA Seeks Experts to Evaluate Next-Generation AI, Robotics, and Sensing Projects
The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) is calling for expert evaluators in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensing technologies. This initiative aims to bolster the agency’s capacity to assess proposals for the 2026 funding cycle of Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation program.
HaDEA’s call for experts directly supports Cluster 4 of Horizon Europe – Digital, Industry and Space. This cluster focuses on fostering advanced digital technologies, strengthening industrial leadership, and enhancing Europe’s long-term competitiveness and resilience. The agency is seeking individuals with strong scientific, technical, and industrial backgrounds to evaluate project proposals submitted under the 2026 Digital calls.
Advanced Materials and Sensing: A Focus on Practical Applications
A significant area of focus for HaDEA is the development of advanced and innovative materials with integrated digital and sensing capabilities. The agency is specifically looking for experts in materials science and engineering who can assess proposals focused on creating low-cost, multifunctional, and “smart” materials designed for sensing applications. These applications span a wide range, including environmental monitoring and health-related technologies.
The expertise sought encompasses a broad spectrum of skills, including proficiency in smart and multifunctional materials, advanced manufacturing and production technologies, and the design and integration of sensing systems. Crucially, HaDEA emphasizes the importance of evaluating proposals based on their potential for real-world impact, specifically looking for solutions that can be scaled for industrial deployment while remaining sustainable and cost-effective. Evaluators will play a key role in ensuring that funded projects translate scientific advancements into tangible, market-ready products.
Artificial Intelligence: Prioritizing Trustworthy and Explainable Systems
HaDEA is also prioritizing the evaluation of projects centered around next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) systems and agents. The agency is seeking experts with deep knowledge of agentic AI architectures, autonomous and adaptive systems, and multi-agent environments. This reflects a growing emphasis on developing AI systems that can operate independently and respond dynamically to changing conditions.
However, the call explicitly highlights the importance of “trustworthy and explainable AI.” This underscores Europe’s commitment to responsible AI development, prioritizing systems that are not only powerful but also transparent, accountable, and aligned with ethical principles. Evaluators will be tasked with assessing projects deploying AI solutions across diverse sectors, including industry, mobility, healthcare, energy, and public services. Experience in implementing AI in real-world settings, along with a strong understanding of system validation, robustness, and scalability, will be highly valued.
Robotics and Human-Centric Automation: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Deployment
The agency is also actively recruiting robotics and automation specialists to serve as evaluators. The focus extends to agile and adaptive robotic platforms, autonomous and collaborative robots, and the development of intelligent control systems. HaDEA is particularly interested in proposals that address the challenges of deploying robotics solutions in both industrial and service environments.
This includes evaluating projects based on their consideration of safety, reliability, user interaction, and the complexities of integrating robotics into real-world workflows. The call also emphasizes the importance of “human-centric automation,” which focuses on designing technologies that complement and enhance human capabilities, rather than simply replacing them. Experts in this area will be instrumental in guiding EU investments towards innovations that are both socially beneficial and economically viable.
Digital-Physical Integration: A Systems-Level Perspective
Recognizing the increasing convergence of the digital and physical worlds, HaDEA is also seeking experts with a systems-level understanding of cyber-physical systems, embedded intelligence, and the integration of AI and robotics with physical components. This requires a holistic perspective that considers the entire system, from hardware and software to application-specific requirements.
Evaluators with expertise in end-to-end system engineering – including interoperability, scalability, and robustness – will be particularly valuable. HaDEA specifically encourages applications from individuals with interdisciplinary backgrounds who can effectively bridge the gap between hardware, software, and application domains.
HaDEA welcomes applications from a diverse range of organizations, including academia, research institutions, industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and public bodies. Interdisciplinary experience and cross-sectoral knowledge are highly valued. Interested experts are encouraged to register or update their profiles in the European Commission’s expert database. While registration does not guarantee selection, it ensures that HaDEA can identify suitable candidates for upcoming evaluation sessions related to the 2026 Digital calls under Horizon Europe. .
