Information Session “Funding Opportunities of the NRFU and Support Instruments under the HORIZON EUROPE Programme”

3.12.2025

On 3 December, the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU) held an informational session for representatives of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University entitled “Funding Opportunities of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine and Support Instruments under the HORIZON EUROPE Programme.”

The session gathered researchers, faculty members, and administrative staff of the University and served as an important platform for sharing experience and strengthening cooperation between the Ukrainian scientific community and European research networks.

The event was opened by Olga Polotska, Executive Director of the NRFU, and Olena Karaman, Rector of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University. In their welcoming remarks, they emphasized the importance of integrating Ukrainian science into the European Research Area and enhancing universities’ participation in NRFU and HORIZON EUROPE competitions.

During the working part of the session, NRFU experts presented key funding instruments available to researchers and outlined Ukraine’s opportunities for participation in European Union programmes.

In her presentation, Ms. Olga Polotska highlighted the main types of grant support – individual, collective, and institutional grants – as well as the principal directions of support, including: conducting research and development, developing research infrastructure and technical facilities, fostering scientific cooperation and mobility, supporting research internships, establishing and strengthening research infrastructure, supporting early-career researchers, and promoting science to the public. She also outlined the advantages of NRFU mechanisms, such as competitive project selection, transparency of funding procedures, alignment of grants with real research needs, and the possibility of attracting alternative sources of funding.

Mr. Vladyslav Mykhailenko, Chief Specialist of the “Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine”, presented the main opportunities of the EU’s largest research programme with a budget of over €95.5 billion. His presentation covered the programme’s key goals: fostering scientific and technological excellence, addressing global challenges, and enhancing Europe’s innovation capacity and competitiveness. He also discussed opportunities for Ukrainian researchers to participate in joint projects with EU member states, as well as access to research infrastructure and European Commission funding instruments.

Mr. Ihor Taranov, Head of the “Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine”, delivered a detailed overview of Ukraine’s participation in the FP9 framework programme. He presented statistical data and concrete examples of successful Ukrainian projects, emphasized the significant increase in successful applications, and highlighted the expansion of strategic partnerships between Ukrainian universities and leading European institutions. He also stressed the importance of continued integration of the Ukrainian research community into the European research ecosystem.

Ms. Nataliia Didenko, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the “Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine”, provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. She covered the platform’s structure and navigation, step-by-step registration procedures for new users, technical requirements for submitting grant proposals, and offered a detailed list of essential documents, forms, and eligibility criteria for potential applicants.

The session was held in an open-dialogue format. After the presentations, researchers of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University had the opportunity to ask questions and receive in-depth expert explanations. The atmosphere of the event encouraged productive exchanges of ideas and the strengthening of professional ties between NRFU representatives and the university community.

The leadership and staff of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University express sincere gratitude to the National Research Foundation of Ukraine for organizing this important and informative event. Access to up-to-date information on international funding instruments directly from leading experts is invaluable for the development of the University’s research potential.
We extend special thanks to all speakers for their openness, professionalism, and willingness to share their expertise!

Prepared by the International Relations Office