Integration of Ukraine into the ERA, synergy of the European programmes, honouring scientists and promoting science – the National Research Foundation of Ukraine held Science Day 2026
On May 15, 2026, the National Research Foundation of Ukraine held an information dissemination event: Integration of Ukraine into the European Research Area. The event was dedicated to Science Day in Ukraine, which is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May to honour Ukraine’s role in the international research scene and its integration into the European and global research areas; the synergy of European programmes, associations and initiatives aimed at strengthening cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary scientific mobility, activities and scientific cooperation; the work of domestic academics to draw attention to their achievements and role in the development of society; as well as to popularise science and innovation and raise their status in society.
The event was opened by Denys Kurbatov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine. In addition to welcoming the participants and highlighting the importance of the development of domestic science both for the nation and on a European and global levels, the representative of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine honoured representatives of the Scientific Council of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine with citations for their work and significant contribution to the development of science in Ukraine.
Welcoming speeches were also delivered by Yuriy Petrushenko, Director of Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science and Sports; Oleksandra Antoniuk, Chairperson for the Scientific Committee of the National Council of Ukraine for Science and Technology Development; Oksana Kis, Head of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine; Yehor Pyvovarov, Policy Officer for Research and Innovation, the EU Delegation to Ukraine; as well as EU representatives – Frederik Søndergaard, Policy Officer, DG Research and Innovation, Unit 03 International Cooperation – Ukraine and Türkiye, European Commission, and Lidia Borell-Damian, Secretary General of the Science Europe Association.
They welcomed the participants and agreed on the crucial role of science in the development of society, which is the basis for our future on the way to Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area. This process would not be possible without the constant support and willingness to cooperate from international partners. The speakers therefore emphasised the importance of providing every possible form of support and assistance to Ukrainian scientists, researchers and innovators, particularly in the context of the ongoing full-scale war.
Furthermore, the report on Ukraine’s participation in the EU’s 9th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe, a comparative analysis of the rapid progress made by Ukrainian participants in Horizon Europe compared to their participation in the previous programme, Horizon 2020, as well as the role of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU) as the Coordination Centre for the National Contact Points network and the effectiveness of its activities with quantitative indicators, was presented by the Head of the Department, Igor Taranov.
Applied panel of the event consisted of presentations by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the European Commission and European organisations, who focused on topical issues relating to integration processes, opportunities from the EU and the synergy of European programmes, associations and initiatives that contribute to the functioning and development of science and research in Ukraine. In particular, Frederik Søndergaard presented international coalition on science, research and innovation in Ukraine as a multilateral initiative. For his part, Hryhorii Mozolevych, Director General Science Development Directorate, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, addressed the challenges and tasks of Ukraine on the way to the EU in the field of science and research.
In addition, Oksana Schwaika, Programme Manager at the DAAD Information Centre in Kyiv, presented opportunities for studying in Germany and applying for a DAAD scholarship – the German Academic Exchange Service; Svitlana Shytikova, National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine Project Coordinator, spoke about the EU Programme Erasmus+ for education and science; Maurizio Toscano, a representative of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), provided information on training and tools on the NCP Portal to support Horizon Europe participants. A separate item was devoted to UNESCO’s support for the integration of Ukraine into the European and international research area. Olena Tsyplitska, Consultant on Science, UNESCO Antenna Ukraine, presented a report on UNESCO’s activities in Ukraine.
Participants in the event – including representatives of higher education institutions, research organisations, business, civil society organisations, state and local government bodies, and others – received a lot of important and current information. The Science Day event was summed up by Igor Taranov, Head of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine at the National Research Foundation of Ukraine. He encouraged participants to continue their work, improve and build on their achievements for the benefit of the country, strengthening Ukraine’s position on the international stage and helping to accelerate its integration into the global research area.
