EU Triples Funding to €4.5M for 324 Ukrainian Researchers Affected by War

The European Union has significantly increased its support, funds, and scientists for Ukrainian researchers affected by the ongoing war with Russia. The European Commission has tripled the initial budget of the EURIZON Fellowship Programme to €4.5 million under Horizon Europe, ensuring continuous assistance to Ukraine's scientific community.

Launched in April 2023, the fellowship program initially planned to support around 22 teams, totaling approximately 90 researchers, with a budget of €1.5 million. However, the response exceeded expectations, with 786 applications received, of which 730 were eligible. Recognizing the high demand and urgent need to support Ukrainian research, the Commission decided to triple the allocated budget to €4.5 million in January 2024.

Why this matters: This increased funding provides a vital lifeline to Ukrainian researchers, enabling them to continue their work despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. By supporting Ukraine's scientific community, the EU is also investing in the country's future and its potential to contribute to global scientific progress.

The increased funding will now support 65 projects, benefiting 324 Ukrainian scientists who will carry out research across various scientific domains in collaboration with European Research Infrastructures. The eligible applications covered a wide range of thematic fields, with 38% in Physical Science and Engineering, 15% in Environment, 15% in Social and Cultural Innovation, 14% in Health and Food, 10% in Energy, and 6% in Data, Computing and Digital Research Infrastructures.

Applications were received from all over Ukraine, with a majority coming from Kyiv, followed by Kharkiv and Lviv. The EURIZON Fellowship Programme aims to have a significant positive impact on the work of Ukrainian researchers, providing them with opportunities to restart their projects, conduct innovative research, establish stable contact with international partners, and broaden research dissemination.

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, emphasized the EU's commitment to supporting Ukrainian researchers, stating, "Excellent research infrastructures are at the basis of every scientific breakthrough. The EURIZON Fellowship Programme received an incredible number of applicants, and we will not remain silent about the needs of the research and innovation community in Ukraine. More than two years after the Russian full-scale invasion, and one year after the launch of this funding opportunity, I can confirm €4.5 million in EU funding is ready to support scientists from Ukraine in pursuing their research activities. We will continue to stand with Ukraine and its researchers. "The ongoing war has brought daily challenges to Ukrainian researchers, including the constant threat of attacks on critical infrastructure, travel restrictions, and reduced state funding. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian scientists remain committed to their work. The EURIZON Fellowship Programme aims to alleviate some of these difficulties by providing researchers with access to foreign university libraries, retaining IT specialists, and identifying trends and best practices in public management.

The EU's support for Ukrainian research extends beyond the EURIZON Fellowship Programme. The European Commission has committed to providing other specific, practical assistance to the Ukrainian research and innovation community, including the launch of the Horizon Europe office in Kyiv based on the National Research Foundation of Ukraine.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted the European Union's increased funding for the EURIZON Fellowship Programme, which serves as a vital lifeline for Ukrainian researchers. By supporting their work and facilitating international collaboration, the EU is helping to ensure that Ukraine's scientific community can continue to make valuable contributions to various fields of research, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Key Takeaways

• EU triples support fund for Ukrainian scientists to €4.5 million.
• 324 Ukrainian researchers to benefit from 65 projects across various domains.
• Funding to support researchers affected by the ongoing war with Russia.
• EURIZON Fellowship Programme aims to facilitate international collaboration.
• EU is committed to supporting Ukraine's research and innovation community.