Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area is not only a strategic goal, but also a real process that is actively developing thanks to the joint efforts of the research community, government agencies and international partners. During the information event “Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area” held by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine on the occasion of the Science Day in Ukraine, it was emphasized that the most ambitious goals are achievable with joint efforts, a common vision of the future, sustainability and unity.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Denys Kurbatov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine. Denys Kurbatov noted that the results of the participation of Ukrainian researchers and innovators in the Horizon Europe Framework Program have already surpassed the results of the previous Horizon 2020 Program. This is indicative of the activity and success of Ukrainian researchers at the European level.
Carole Mansel-Blanchard, Head of International Cooperation unit RTD 03, spoke about the strategic plans of the European Commission on the development of the European Research Area (ERA). In particular, it is planned to adopt a law on the ERA which provides for the creation of a regulatory framework, achieving science funding at the level of 3% of GDP, harmonizing the research priorities of the EU member states and promoting knowledge exchange and grant opportunities, in particular for Ukraine.
In addition, it is planned to involve Ukraine in programs (e.g., in the field of energy) that will help reconstruct the country. Additional scholarships will also be provided for displaced Ukrainian researchers.
Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasized the critical importance of research and innovations for the economy and society, and stressed that the EU has been and remains a reliable partner of Ukraine: “Ukraine is in a very complicated situation, but it demonstrates strength, resilience and willingness to fight for its freedom. Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, the EU has stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes”.
The ERA, according to Stefan Schleuning, opens the way to the EU market and funding, and provides researchers with free access to technologies.
Valeriy Koliukh, Chairperson of the Sub-committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Science and Innovation, emphasized that Ukraine’s integration into the ERA is one of the country’s strategic priorities. The initiatives of the NRFU, the opening of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine and the active participation of researchers in the EU grant programs confirm Ukraine’s ability to be an equal partner in the European research community.
“Our task is to create conditions for researchers and innovators to receive adequate support and implement their ideas,” he pointed out.
The Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Education, Science and Innovations has developed a draft law on the development of research infrastructure and support for early-career researchers. This draft law has already been included in the agenda of the parliamentary session.
Head of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine Oksana Kis reminded that the NRFU was created by researchers for researchers according to the best European standards. The main task of the Foundation is to create conditions under which Ukrainian researchers will be able to implement their potential.
The effectiveness of the new institution is evidenced by the figures: since 2020, nine calls for research and developments have been held, and as a result researchers have received UAH 1.9 billion in grant support. About 2,900 researchers received the materials and equipment necessary for research as well as decent remuneration for their work.
“We are genuinely working in the interests of Ukrainian researchers,” mentioned Oksana Kis. “I am proud and admire every male and female researcher who continues to work in Ukraine and for Ukraine. The Foundation tries to find every opportunity to support these researchers.”
The NRFU continues to improve its funding principles, tightens requirements for academic integrity, and shapes the institute of research integrity. According to the Head of the Foundation, it is the very institute of research reputation that can become a vaccination against the toxic issues of the Ukrainian academic environment.
“The National Research Foundation of Ukraine is a young institution, it made mistakes, but we are ready to identify and correct them,” noted Oksana Kis.
Olga Polotska, Executive Director of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, stressed the key role of science under martial law. Innovative technologies and developments help save lives, restore war-affected regions, solve energy shortages, etc. “Science is the foundation of our future. Supporting domestic research helps develop the potential of the society. This is not just our strategic goal, it is a consistent movement towards victory,” emphasized Olga Polotska.
All of this would not have been possible without the ongoing support, clear vision and willingness to cooperate from our European partners. “Our event is a recognition of the fact that everything is possible when people unite, have a common vision of the future, resilience and unity,” added Olga Polotska.
She also acknowledged the activities of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine which operates on the basis of the NRFU with the support of the European Commission and has achieved significant results in a year and a half. The Office has become a link between the Ukrainian and European research communities, a bridge to resources, knowledge and cooperation.
“I am addressing all the participants of our event. Your work is valuable, your resilience is recognized, and your contribution is important for a common peaceful future,” emphasized Olga Polotska.
During the event, the participants also discussed the possibilities of cooperation with the EU’s Joint Research Center (JRC), the new European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative and the Creative Europe programme.
Olena Orliuk, Head of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations, spoke about the role of the IP Office in creating a favorable environment for innovations and research in Ukraine in the context of European integration. Igor Taranov, Head of the Department Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, spoke about the operation of the Office.
Gennadii Kazakevych, Professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, presented a Ukrainian-Swiss joint research project in the field of history. The project was selected within the call ‘Ukrainian-Swiss Joint Research Projects: Call for Proposals 2023’. He emphasized that participation in grant programs is the only possibility of survival for Ukrainian researchers, especially in the Social Sciences and Humanities.
Hanna Galan, Chief Specialist of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, shared the success story of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in implementing the PIECES project which contributed to strengthening the public health system in Ukraine.
This event has become a platform for sharing experiences, establishing new partnerships, and discussing the prospects for Ukraine’s integration into the ERA. By bringing together key stakeholders, it demonstrated a joint commitment to deeper cooperation, opened new opportunities for development, outlined strategic priorities, and inspired further steps. In times of war, science remains a powerful tool for recovery, sustainability, and international partnership, and the openness of the European Research Area to Ukraine is not only an act of solidarity, but also an investment in a common future.
We are grateful to all participants of the event for their active participation and interest. The video recording of the event is available on YouTube