On October 21-25, 2024, a delegation of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU) visited the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) in Bonn, Germany. This event became an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the NRFU and DFG, as well as in developing cooperation between research funding institutions of both countries.
The purpose of the visit
The key purpose of the visit was to discuss areas for further cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of grant funding for research projects. The German Research Foundation organized a series of introductory meetings aimed at revealing the specifics of its activities and sharing best practices with Ukrainian colleagues.
Main topics for discussion
Over the course of five days, the NRFU delegation and the DFG representatives discussed a number of key topics that became the basis for further cooperation:
- Enhancing the institutional capacity of the NRFU:
One of the main objectives of the meeting was to discuss strategies for increasing the institutional capacity of the NRFU. The DFG shared its experience in developing project evaluation criteria, monitoring project implementation, ensuring transparency in financial matters, etc. Representatives of the NRFU received expert recommendations on improving grant funding mechanisms in Ukraine.
- Strengthening cooperation at the institutional level:
Participants discussed opportunities for deepening cooperation between the DFG and the NRFU. Within the framework of this topic, specific areas were identified, including joint research programs, organization of joint events, etc. It was emphasized that institutional cooperation could also include joint projects, which would allow for the implementation of innovative ideas and research using the resources of both foundations.
- Exchange of experience in the field of grant funding:
The DFG’s experience in grant funding for research projects was a subject of separate discussions. Representatives of the German foundation shared project selection practices, funding mechanisms, and risk management. This discussion was important for the Ukrainian side, as it allowed them to learn about specific tools to improve their own funding procedures.
- Strategies for supporting early career researchers:
Special attention was paid to the issues of supporting early career researchers. The DFG shared its experience in implementing initiatives for researchers at different stages of their careers which may be useful for the development of such initiatives in Ukraine.
- Joint DFG-NRFU call:
Discussion of the terms and conditions of the joint DFG-NRFU call was one of the most important parts of the working visit. The participants reviewed the models of calls held by DFG in cooperation with international partners and agreed on the next steps necessary to implement the call to support Ukrainian researchers. Currently, the institutions have already agreed on the topics for the upcoming call.
These topics have become the basis for further negotiations and planning of joint actions that will help strengthen the research potential of both countries.
Meetings with representatives of the German research ecosystem
Within the framework of the visit, the DFG also organized a number of meetings with other representatives of the German research ecosystem.
The NRFU delegation had the opportunity to communicate with representatives of such organizations as DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), AvH (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation), Wissenschaftsrat (German Research and Humanities Council), as well as BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) and DLR (German Aerospace Center). The meetings with representatives of these organizations and the federal executive body were an important step in strengthening the ties between the NRFU and the German professional community. They opened up new opportunities for cooperation, exchange of experience and implementation of joint initiatives.
The participants of the visit expressed confidence that active cooperation with German partners will contribute to the development of science in Ukraine, increasing its international competitiveness and post-war recovery.
Conclusions and prospects
The working visit of the NRFU delegation to Germany opens new horizons for cooperation between Ukrainian and German researchers. Joint projects, exchange of experience and support for grant funding create conditions for the development of research in Ukraine and its integration into the European research area.
The expert support received and the exchange of best practices with the DFG will contribute to enhancing the institutional capacity of the NRFU. Improving the mechanisms for managing grant funding, making processes transparent and increasing the efficiency of research projects are critical to attracting additional resources and supporting the research community in Ukraine.
Noting the importance of international cooperation for the development of research, the NRFU plans to actively use new opportunities to attract funding and other resources. Interaction with German partners creates a potential for jointly addressing urgent scientific and social issues, which, in turn, will contribute to the sustainable development of Ukraine.
As a result, the working visit to Germany not only strengthened existing ties, but also laid the groundwork for new initiatives that will contribute to positive changes in Ukrainian research and education. We are confident that cooperation with the DFG and other German organizations will provide Ukrainian researchers with new opportunities to implement their ideas and projects.
