Representatives of the UNECE visited NRFU

On May 29, representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) paid a working visit to the National Research Foundation of Ukraine. Ralph Heinrich and Oskar Fast from the Committee on Innovation, Competitiveness and Public-Private Partnerships of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the UNECE were interested in the activities of the NRFU in today’s conditions.

The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the activities of the NRFU and, in particular, of its department Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, during the ongoing war in Ukraine, in order to have as complete a picture as possible of what support is currently being provided to Ukrainian scientists, researchers and innovators today. Among other things, the guests were interested in the work to support displaced scientists, support for high-tech startups and the development of the innovation ecosystem and research infrastructure.

Andrii Kuznetsov, First Deputy Executive Director for Grant Support of the NRFU, spoke in detail about the structure of the Fund and its activities in the context of war, with a special focus on the conditions of work in 2022 during the difficult period of active hostilities in the country. In addition, he spoke about the cooperation of the NRFU with such scientific institutions as the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, scientific institutions, scientific departments of higher education institutions, as well as with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Igor Taranov, Head of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, presented the work of the Office since its official opening in December 2023, the purpose of its launch and cooperation with similar offices in other countries. The Head of the Office spoke about the support provided by the department’s specialists to potential applicants, and anyone interested in the opportunities of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe. Igor Taranov emphasized the conditions in which Ukrainian scientists, researchers and innovators are currently operating, especially in the areas under active attacks.

In addition, the Head of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine emphasized the importance of nominating National Contact Points by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. The creation of a network of NFPs will significantly expand opportunities, facilitate support and dissemination of information about Horizon Europe, which will increase the number of successfully submitted applications from Ukrainian participants.

The visit of foreign guests took place within the framework of a project of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe with the Government of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science as the focal point supporting innovative policies for sustainable reconstruction and recovery of the country.