Learning across the borders: exchange of experience in supporting Horizon Europe participants during a visit to TÜBİTAK (Day I)
Representatives of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, are on a two-day study visit to Ankara, where they are visiting the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK). The working visit was organised to study the experience of Turkey in operating a network of National Contact Points (NCPs), to exchange best practices in supporting Horizon Europe applicants, and to strengthen international cooperation in the area of research and innovation.
The first day of the study visit took place on June 10, 2026. The participants were welcomed by Çağrı Yıldırım, Coordinator of the TÜBİTAK NCP network, who presented Turkey’s National Contact Point system, its structure, tools and services for researchers, innovators and organisations interested in participating in the Horizon Europe Programme. Igor Taranov, Head of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, NRFU, presented the Office’s activities, the structure of the national support system and the results of Ukraine’s participation in the Programme.
During the morning session, representatives from TÜBİTAK briefed the Ukrainian delegation on the support tools available to applicants under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the activities of the EURAXESS network in Turkey, and the services available to applicants and beneficiaries under the Pillar III: Innovative Europe, in particular for start-ups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises.
In addition, Turkey’s experience of participating in EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus initiative was presented, along with the support ecosystem and the outcomes of its participation, including joint projects with participants from Ukraine. Among other things, Turkish colleagues presented the experience of financial and legal NCPs, sharing practical approaches to advising applicants and supporting projects.
The first day programme concluded with a presentation on Turkey’s participation in networking projects and other programmes that complement support instruments and promote deeper integration of the research and innovation community to the European Research Area.
