Today : Jul 03, 2025
Science
19 March 2025

Ukraine Strengthens Science Collaboration Amid Recovery Efforts

Ukrainian officials engage with the EU and NATO to boost research resilience and funding opportunities.

On March 13-14, 2025, the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) was the backdrop for a pivotal workshop titled "Strengthening Ukraine’s Science and Innovation System," organized by the National Academy of Sciences of the USA with support from the Simons Foundation. This event aimed to unite key stakeholders from the USA, Europe, and Ukraine to forge practical solutions for bolstering Ukraine's science and innovation framework, particularly following the disruptions caused by the recent conflict.

During this significant two-day event, Ukrainian representatives included Denys Kurbatov, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science, and Valeria Ionan, the Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation. The gathering attracted more than 70 participants from 14 countries, signaling international commitment and collaboration. A principal message from the Ukrainian side centered on the need for dedicated support for researchers working within Ukraine's institutions. This accentuates the sentiments expressed at the workshop, emphasizing the urgency to strengthen research infrastructures severely damaged by the war.

A key objective discussed was the establishment of the R&I Coalition for Ukraine—a coalition aimed at consolidative efforts among international partners to restore and develop Ukraine's scientific and innovation sectors and facilitate the attraction of private investments and funding. The European Commission is expected to play a significant coordination role within this framework.

Moving beyond the walls of the workshop, March 14 also saw the Ukrainian delegation engage with the European Commission during bilateral meetings held in Brussels. This session focused on the official screening of Ukrainian legislation to assess its compliance with EU regulations under Chapter 25, which pertains to Science and Research. The meetings were led by Ibhor Kurotsuko and the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna, who underscored the significance of advancing scientific cooperation between Ukraine and EU member states.

Among the main points tackled during these discussions were the implementation of state certifications for scientific institutions and higher education programs aligned with European standards, aimed to optimize funding distribution. Other focal areas included mechanisms for increasing scientific funding through international programs, enhancing the involvement of Ukrainian researchers within the EU’s Horizon Europe Framework Program, and modernizing scientific infrastructure devastated by the aggression of the Russian invasion.

Ukrainian officials stressed the importance of European backing for revamping and modernizing the country's research facilities and drawing both private and international investment. This framework of cooperation not only aims to fortify Ukraine's science sector but also sets the stage for sustainable development and integration of Ukraine within the European research space.

Continuing this narrative of collaboration, the meetings also led to discussions within NATO's framework. Ukraine has been engaging with NATO's Science for Peace and Security Program to explore how scientific collaboration could serve as a security factor, especially under the current war-fueled adversities. This dialogue, attended by Kurbatov, highlighted Ukraine's continued efforts to align with international norms and practices, reinforcing its scientific capabilities as part of national security strategies.

Ukraine is determinedly positioning itself within the broader European research community. The collaborative ventures held over these days, coupled with the proposed strategies for enhancing research infrastructure and attracting investments, promise newfound opportunities for the evolution of Ukrainian science.

The groundwork laid at the Zurich workshop and the meetings held at Brussels exemplify Ukraine’s commitment to fostering international collaborations to strengthen its scientific framework. The future URC 2025, to be held on June 10-11, will be another avenue where Ukraine aims to showcase its comprehensive recovery plan for the research and innovation ecosystem. These collective efforts signify not just resilience but also the potential for substantive growth and effectiveness within Ukraine’s scientific community.