On March 18, 2026, in Tartu, Estonia, the international conference “International Research Cooperation – with Ukraine and for Ukraine” took place. It was organized by the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) in cooperation with the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU) and supported by ESTDEV (Estonian Centre for International Development).
The conference served as a platform to present the existing Estonian–Ukrainian research cooperation and to foster meaningful dialogue on its further development in a broader European context. Participants had the opportunity to exchange experience, highlight key achievements, and identify strategic directions for strengthening partnerships.
Particular attention during the event was given to national, European, and Nordic-Baltic initiatives aimed at supporting the resilience of Ukrainian science in the face of current challenges. Discussions focused on mechanisms for integrating Ukrainian science into the European Research Area (ERA), instruments for strengthening institutional capacity, as well as opportunities to expand international cooperation, researcher mobility, and the implementation of joint research projects.
The event brought together leading researchers, research managers, representatives of public authorities and international organizations, as well as other stakeholders interested in advancing research cooperation. The National Research Foundation of Ukraine was represented at the conference by its Executive Director, Olga Polotska, and Head of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, Igor Taranov. They contributed to discussions on strengthening international partnerships and supporting Ukrainian science.
Olga Polotska joined the conference online and delivered a presentation providing a comprehensive overview of the key features of Ukraine’s research and innovation system under current conditions. She analysed the state of research in the context of the full-scale war, outlining its impact and highlighting the major challenges faced by the research community.
Her presentation also examined key needs for ensuring the sustainable development of the research sector, including the preservation and further development of research potential, as well as ways to enhance the resilience of the research system. Particular attention was paid to the integration of Ukrainian researchers into the European and global research areas, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships and participation in joint initiatives.
A dedicated part of the presentation was devoted to the strategic priorities of the NRFU as a key institution ensuring the development of competitive science in Ukraine. Olga Polotska also outlined the main instruments and mechanisms for research support, implemented in close cooperation with international partners. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure the sustainable development of Ukrainian science and its full integration into the European Research Area (ERA).
Igor Taranov, Head of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, was present at the event in person and delivered a presentation in the second session, “New Pathways to Closer Cooperation with Ukraine – Initiatives by Estonian Universities”, titled “Ukraine’s International Research Cooperation: Integration into the European Research Area and Building New Consortia”.
In his presentation, Igor Taranov outlined the current state of Ukraine’s international research cooperation, particularly within the framework of the EU Framework Programme Horizon Europe and identified key directions for further enhancing Ukraine’s participation in the Programme and its integration into the ERA. He emphasized the importance of the systematic work of the network of NCPs, as well as strengthening support for Ukrainian applicants through analytical tools and exchange of experience.
As part of the conference, Igor Taranov also took part in the concluding panel discussion, “Key Issues and Opportunities for Closer Research Collaboration with Ukraine”, during which the main outcomes of the sessions and prospects for further international research cooperation in support of Ukraine’s integration into the ERA were discussed.
Participants of the panel discussion confirmed that Ukraine’s international research cooperation with European partners has significant potential for further development and long-term strengthening. A central issue was how to ensure that this cooperation is not merely a response to the crisis but evolves into a stable and strategic partnership. Participants emphasized that such collaboration is beneficial not only for Ukraine but also for partner countries, including Estonia, and that Ukraine’s participation in joint projects serves as a strong example for other countries.
During the conference, participants discussed priority research areas in the Nordic-Baltic region, where shared challenges and common interests provide a solid basis for mutual knowledge exchange and cooperation. They stressed that the selection of research areas and partnerships should be driven by the real needs of societies and participating countries, rather than solely by formal or political considerations. Particular attention was given to adapting to current challenges, with participants highlighting the importance of timely response and coordinated support measures.
The conference demonstrated a high level of interest in deepening cooperation between the Ukrainian and European research communities, as well as the availability of effective instruments for its further development. The initiatives presented and the experience of implementing joint projects convincingly confirmed that such collaboration is already delivering tangible results and has significant potential for further expansion and scaling up. At the same time, international participants repeatedly highlighted the resilience of Ukrainian researchers, as well as their ability to continue scientific activities and develop cooperation even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
During the event, Anu Noorma, Director General of Estonian Research Council (ETAg), presented a picture taken by her in 2024 at Independence Square in Kyiv, which served as a symbolic expression of support for Ukraine and solidarity with the Ukrainian research community. In her speech, she conveyed a simple yet fundamental massage – that together we are stronger, stressing that the combination of efforts, the consistent strengthening of partnerships, and mutual support are key conditions for effectively responding to current challenges and ensuring the sustainable development of science.
The full conference livestream is available on YouTube:
