The Executive Director of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU), Olga Polotska, visited the Science Europe office in Brussels where she held a meeting with the Association’s representatives.
During the meeting, the participants discussed key strategic and practical aspects of cooperation between the NRFU and Science Europe. The parties exchanged information on the state of Ukraine’s research ecosystem, the priorities and current needs of the Foundation, as well as areas of support from the Science Europe members. In addition, specific areas for further effective and mutually beneficial collaboration were identified, aimed at integrating Ukrainian research into the European Research Area, developing research initiatives, and strengthening international partnerships. The meeting marked an important step in deepening bilateral dialogue and aligning common priorities.
The meeting was also attended by Mykhailo Hrebeniuk, Office manager of the project “GUARD – Global Promotion of UA R&D: Liaison Office in Brussels for UA R&D Community”, who represents the interests of the Ukrainian research community in Brussels and supports the activities of the NRFU, in particular coordinates the work of the NRFU Department “Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine”. Discussions focused on the current participation of Ukrainian organizations in the calls of the Horizon Europe programme, available support opportunities for researchers, ways to improve communication and coordination with European partners, as well as promoting Ukrainian research achievements and increasing Ukraine’s visibility in the European Research Area.
Special attention was given to the joint SE – NRFU webinar series.
The series of three online webinars, which began in September 2025 and will continue until February 2026, focuses on three priority areas defined by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine:
- Balancing bottom-up and top-down research funding (September 19, 2025);
- Developing and implementing monitoring tools for R&D projects (November 25, 2025);
- Open Science policies and practices of research funding organisations (February 20, 2026).
The objective of the SE – NRFU webinar series is to provide Ukrainian researchers with the tools and knowledge to more effectively manage research projects and implement best international practices.
Since the start of the full-scale war, Science Europe, its member organizations, and European colleagues have actively supported the NRFU and Ukrainian research community. We sincerely appreciate their unwavering support and significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s position in the European Research Area.
