ELLIS Sites bring together outstanding artificial intelligence researchers within a given location and operate according to clearly defined and rigorous criteria designed to ensure scientific excellence, international competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. Their structure is intended to foster high-quality research environments that meet the standards of the broader ELLIS network and support ambitious, fundamental work in modern machine learning. As local representations of ELLIS, the Sites play a key role in connecting researchers across institutions, disciplines, and countries. They provide stable organizational frameworks for collaboration, talent development, and knowledge exchange, while remaining closely integrated with national research ecosystems and international scientific communities. Through their activities, ELLIS Sites contribute directly to the mission of the ELLIS network, which aims to secure Europe’s leadership in artificial intelligence by supporting open, fundamental machine learning research with clear societal and economic relevance. By promoting excellence, openness, and collaboration, ELLIS Sites help translate cutting-edge research into long-term benefits for science, industry, and society at large.