In the run-up of the 12^th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC) the regional meetings took place on May 27-28, in Interlaken, Switzerland.

The main topics of the regional meetings were:

• Promoting Social Sciences and Humanities Integration in Research: The Role of Funding Agencies;
• Responsible Research Assessment: strengthening sustainable research;
• Research, Development & Innovation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence;
• Issues of electronic workflow;
• Sustainable Research Infrastructure for a Greener Future: How can the international scientific community achieve that goal?;
• Equity in Open Access Publishing, etc.

In addition, the situation in Ukraine was an important topic for discussion. Olga Polotska, the Executive Director of the NRFU spoke at the meeting of the GRC European Regional Branch on the topic of ‘Support for Ukraine’. During the speech, Olga Polotska presented the current situation in the field of research and development in Ukraine, the Foundation’s activities on the way to integration into the global research area, considered the real needs and main challenges facing Ukrainian researchers, and suggested possible measures to support the Ukrainian research system during and after the war.

An important aspect that Olga Polotska focused on during her presentation was the support of a common policy of international cooperation and sanctioning. “Under the current circumstances, it is impossible to agree with idealized statements that ‘science is out of politics’. It is important to stop any research cooperation with russia, belarus and countries that support their aggression. Science is not out of politics, research sanctions are needed”, emphasized Olga Polotska and called on international research organizations to advocate for increased support for Ukrainian research at the governmental and organizational levels.

The presentation was followed by an active discussion. The GRC members concluded that, despite all the support that has already been provided to Ukraine, much remains to be done, and that assistance should be tailored to the current needs of Ukrainian researchers and to the needs of long-term recovery.