Specialists of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, NRFU established cooperation with representatives of the Ukrainian Scientific Diaspora in Austria

On 17 December, the delegation of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, which is on a working visit to the Republic of Austria, also met with representatives of the NGO Mriya and the Ukrainian Scientific Diaspora in Austria. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss topical issues of potential cooperation and to tell about the opportunities offered by the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe.

The event was opened by Mykhailo Karioti, Deputy Head of the NGO “Mriya”. He told the audience about the work of the organisation and the activities they carry out in Austria. Oksana Bilous, Deputy Chair of the Organising Committee of the Austrian Scientific Diaspora, also addressed the audience. Presenting the work of the diaspora members, Ms Bilous focused on the goals and priorities of their activities, as well as the obstacles they face.

Igor Taranov, Head of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, NRFU welcomed the participants of the meeting and told the diaspora representatives about the work of the Office and the support that its specialists provide to Ukrainian participants on their way to successful participation in the Programme. In addition to potential participation in Horizon Europe, representatives of the Office suggested that the first step is to identify clear project priorities and start attracting partners and funding in cooperation with other organisations. Sustainable projects and ideas that change people’s lives, as well as experience in implementing such projects, will be a significant advantage in participating in Horizon Europe calls.

At the end of the event, a lively discussion took place between the parties. The participants were unanimous in their opinion that such meetings will unite Ukrainians who, due to various circumstances, including russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war, are outside their homeland and help them implement their projects, including those with a scientific and innovative focus. Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine also joined the online meeting.