On November 19-20, 2024, Olga Polotska, Executive Director of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU), participated in the 16th High Level Workshop on ERA and the Autumn General Assembly of Science Europe, held in Budapest, Hungary.
High Level Workshop on ERA
The main topic of discussion at the Workshop was the competitiveness of European research and innovation in a global context. Within the framework of the event the participants, including heads of Science Europe member organizations, representatives of European institutions and national ministries, addressed the following key issues:
- widening the participation of all EU member states and associated countries to European R&I actions;
- reducing R&I disparities;
- enhancing the impact of research as a tool for open dialogue;
- introduction of artificial intelligence in science policy to improve the efficiency of European research.
The meeting ended with the preparation of a position paper summarizing the discussions and identifying joint actions aimed at strengthening the European research cohesion.
Science Europe General Assembly
In parallel with the High Level Workshop, the Autumn General Assembly of Science Europe 2024 was held on November 20. The purpose of the Assembly is to engage member organizations in strategic discussions on topics relevant to the organization, as well as to discuss the future work and course of Science Europe.
During the General Assembly, the strategic priorities of Science Europe for 2025 were discussed, as well as presentations and discussions on the following topics:
- open science initiatives;
- updating the research priorities of the countries presiding over the EU Council;
- approval of the work plan, budget and membership fees for 2025.
During the General Assembly, Olga Polotska presented the latest updates on the NRFU’s activities and spoke about the challenges and needs of the Ukrainian research community. Olga Polotska expressed her gratitude for the constant support of the Ukrainian research community in this difficult time for our country and emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to actively participate in joint international initiatives.
One of the important outcomes of the General Assembly was the decision to exempt the NRFU from paying membership fees to Science Europe for 2025. This decision was a sign of solidarity of the European community with Ukraine and support for its research system in the face of the challenges caused by the war. European colleagues expressed confidence that this decision would allow the NRFU to focus more resources on supporting Ukrainian researchers and actively participating in European research initiatives.
Participation in these events is an important step for the NRFU in promoting Ukrainian research interests in the international research area. In addition, involvement in high-level Science Europe events also contributes to the establishment of partnerships with leading European organizations that shape the future of R&I in Europe.
Such meetings are not only a platform for experience exchange, but also an important mechanism for strengthening the integration of Ukrainian research into the European research community.
