The First Joint Meeting of the Polish–Ukrainian Platform of Vice-Rectors for Research

On October 20–21, 2025, the first joint meeting of the Polish–Ukrainian Platform of Vice-Rectors for Research was held in Warsaw. The event was organized as part of the project “Polish–Ukrainian Cooperation of Representative Institutions of Rectors for the improvement of university performance”, implemented by the Warsaw University of Technology with the financial support of the Ministry of Science.

The decision to establish a joint platform of Vice-Rectors for Research was made in June 2025 by the rectors representing the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP) and the Union of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine, during the Polish–Ukrainian Joint Day held at the Warsaw University of Technology.

The October meeting gathered 24 Vice-Rectors for Research from Poland and Ukraine, representing member universities of CRASP, the Conferences of Rectors of various types of higher education institutions (including KRUP and KRPUT), and the Council of Vice-Rectors for Research of Ukraine – an advisory body to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, also cooperating with the Union of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine.

Objectives and Scope of the Meeting

The meeting served both inaugural and working purposes, marking the establishment of a permanent cooperation platform. Its main goals include:

  • Strengthening joint research initiatives,
  • Exchanging best practices in research management, and
  • Applying for international projects, particularly within the Horizon Europe Programme.

The agenda featured thematic sessions devoted to:

  • The organization and financing systems of science and innovation in Poland and Ukraine,
  • The development of research careers and support for young scholars, and
  • A review of joint Polish–Ukrainian scientific achievements.

Working Groups

Within the framework of the Bilateral Platform, Polish and Ukrainian Vice-Rectors for Research will operate through three working groups:

  1. Science–Business Cooperation
  2. Scientific Communication – including the evaluation of research quality, academic publishing policies, and science communication
  3. Research Career Development and Professionalization of Research Management

During the meeting, participants discussed and defined priorities for upcoming research, analytical, and training activities, as well as opportunities for joint applications for international grants.

Leadership of the Platform

The Platform is co-chaired by:

  • Prof. Zygmunt Lalak (University of Warsaw) – representing the Polish side
  • Prof. Volodymyr Pavlikov (National Aviation University, Kharkiv) – representing the Ukrainian side

The deputy chairs are:

  • Prof. Adam Kola (Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń) – Poland
  • Prof. Ganna Tolstanova (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv) – Ukraine

Study Visit

As part of their visit to Warsaw, the Ukrainian delegation toured the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) campus, where they had the opportunity to learn about the university’s unique research equipment and infrastructure.

Significance of the Initiative

The active engagement of Vice-Rectors for Research from Poland and Ukraine represents a proactive and much-needed step towards building a more integrated and effective partnership in research and innovation. This cooperation aims to support young researchers and to contribute to the development of science in Poland, Ukraine, and Europe.

Conference Materials and Publications

Materials from the meeting are available on the Zenodo platform and in the Publications section: