Closer EU-Ukraine science collaboration
The V.N. Bakul Institute for Superhard Materials (ISM) of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is a leading research institute in the field. Through the START (Boosting EU-Ukraine cooperation in the field of superhard materials) project, ISM became a flagship institute in terms of international cooperation for the broader Eastern Europe region. A major project aim was to strengthen the position and visibility of ISM. To achieve this, a medium- to long-term research strategy was developed based on existing research competencies. The implementation of joint research activities between ISM and leading EU research centres was a significant step towards continuing to respond to areas of research focus. A variety of training activities was organised to support skills and knowledge development in view of ISM's involvement in EU-funded research projects. Furthermore, twinning activities, including delegation tours and the participation of ISM scientists at international conferences, helped increase the Institute's visibility among world-leading research actors. The START project laid the foundation for better integration of ISM into the European Research Area (ERA). In particular, its research work in superhard materials science was boosted, which will also help stimulate collaborations with other laboratories in Eastern Europe beyond the project's lifetime.
Keywords
Ukraine, superhard materials, joint research, European Research Area, materials science
