The first webinar of a series of training events for representatives of the Horizon Europe NPCs, initiated by Office of Horizon Europe in Ukraine, NRFU, took place
On October 15, specialists of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, NRFU held the first training event for representatives of the network of National Contact Points of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe. This is the first webinar in a series of training events planned by Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine for national NCPs. The event was devoted to a general introduction to the work of NCPs, summarising the experience of NCPs in the previous framework programme Horizon 2020 with a focus on Horizon Europe and working with the EU tool – Funding and Tendering Portal.
The event was opened with a welcoming speech by Olga Polotska, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor, Executive Director of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, who emphasised the importance of nominating National Contact Points and signing agreements with them by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. After all, the approval of an extensive network of Horizon Europe specialists will help to better disseminate knowledge about the Programme.
During the working part, Taysiya Symochko, Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine Leading Specialist, who was also the NCP of the previous Horizon 2020, spoke about the role and functions of the NCP, the procedure and features of the Ukrainian system of contact points within Horizon 2020 and drew a parallel with the activities of the NCP within Horizon Europe.
For his part, Igor Taranov, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Head of Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, presented the work of the Office as a successful project of Horizon Europe Programme. In addition, Nataliia Didenko, PhD in Agriculture, Senior Researcher, Deputy Head of the Office, conducted a practical part of the webinar – a master class on the Funding and Tenders Portal, how to use it correctly, select calls, look for partners, what opportunities there are for scientists affected by the war, etc.
During the Q&A session, the NCP representatives raised some questions, in particular financial and organisational, to which the Office’s specialists provided qualified answers, and also agreed on further effective communication and close cooperation to promptly resolve issues that the contact points’ representatives will have during their work. In general, thanks to this and future events, the participants will gain a better understanding of their role and work organisation.