The EURIZON Closing Event took place in Brussels on 28 March 2025. During the EURIZON project duration, the consortium has initiated and implemented numerous measures to support Ukrainian scientists. The project has also focused on expanding and supporting scientific-technical cooperation between Ukrainian and European large-scale research infrastructures (RI).
The EURIZON Closing Event presented a few highlights of these support measures. It specifically served as an opportunity to consider the prospects: “What did we learn from our experience, and which are the most relevant recommendations for the future support of scientists, and science in Ukraine?”
This event brought together stakeholders from European and Ukrainian RIs and academia, and from policy and innovation, including both members within the EURIZON consortium and external experts to explore the event’s central theme: “How can Europe strengthen science infrastructures and support scientists in Ukraine?”
Key discussions throughout the event touched on the outcomes of the EURIZON project. According to Martin Sandhop, EURIZON Project Coordinator at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) Research Centre of the Helmholtz Association, the budget of the EURIZON Fellowship programme for Ukraine was tripled by the European Commission (EC). He highlighted that extensive feedback had been collected and would be evaluated to guide future initiatives.
Jürgen Eschke, Chair of the EURIZON General Assembly, stressed that when russia started its sinister war against Ukraine, the EC terminated participation of russian institutions in all EU projects and increased the involvement of Ukrainian institutions. In addition, a fellowship programme for scientists in Ukraine was added under the acronym EURIZON. He described this transformation as a success story.
In her presentation, Greta Facile of DESY pointed out that the EU allocated 4.5 million euros for 324 Ukrainian scientists’ projects. She compared these efforts to putting the seeds in the ground that would sprout in the future. Regarding fellows’ feedback, 67% of respondents said that they might not have been able to continue their research at all without the EURIZON Fellowship, and no negative answers were recorded.
According to Ukrainian participants, the EURIZON fellowship has enabled them to continue research despite the heinous russian aggression, collaborate closely with leading European research institutions, and involve young researchers at this challenging time. They believe such programs are essential, as they support scientists affected by the brutal war, preserve research continuity, and foster meaningful international collaborations. Ukrainian research teams have displayed strong expertise and valuable infrastructure in lots of scientific domains.
Citing the examples of ongoing joint S&T (Science and Technology) efforts, Olga Polotska, Executive Director at the National Research Foundation of Ukraine, pointed out the construction of the Ukrainian beamline at the Solaris synchrotron in the Polish city of Kraków under the Light for Ukraine project within the LEAPS (League of European Accelerator-based Photon Sources) Initiative.
During panel discussions, Agnès Robin, Head of the EC Sector ‘Research Infrastructures Policy’, stated that the EC is drafting the Horizon Europe work programme to include substantial support for Ukraine, identifying suitable funding opportunities.
The EURIZON Closing Event not only showcased the achievements and lessons learned from the project but also reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukrainian science and fostering enduring partnerships in research and innovation.
More information: https://www.eurizon-project.eu/