Information Day of the Horizon Europe Programme at WUNU
Representatives of the National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Programme (WIDERA) held a two-day information day at West Ukrainian National University in cooperation with the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine.
The event was held in a hybrid format, bringing together over 60 researchers in person and over 70 online, which shows the scientific community's keen interest in European grant opportunities.
The info day was moderated by Vita Semaniuk, head of the R&D division at WUNU. The opening speech was delivered by Mykola Dyvak, WUNU's vice-rector for research, who emphasised the importance of involving Ukrainian scientists, including representatives of WUNU, in this programme. Natalia Didenko, Deputy Head of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, joined the event online and also welcomed the participants and wished them fruitful work and successful project proposals.
Olha Sulema, Head of the National Contact Point ‘Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area’, provided detailed information on the general principles of participation in the Horizon Europe programme, key aspects of its areas of focus, financial instruments and the specific features of WIDERA. NCP expert Maria Dubniak also explained the specifics of the European Research Area and its connection to the programme.
Olha Sulema presented the features of the new work programme for 2025, focusing on innovations for applicants. Maria Dubniak familiarised participants with current WIDERA calls, and Maksym Kolisnyk, Chief Specialist at the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, provided information on Ukraine's participation in this area, citing examples of successful projects coordinated by Ukrainian organisations.
The second day was devoted to practical matters. Olha Sulema held a master class on working with the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, interactively demonstrating its capabilities and useful tips. Using the European Excellence Initiative call for proposals as an example, she emphasised the importance of thoroughly analysing the text of the call before preparing a project proposal.
Participants of the two-day event also had the opportunity to ask questions about opportunities for universities to participate in various types of calls, the most common reasons for funding refusals, and ways to involve foreign partners in the preparation of project proposals. This ensured a valuable exchange of experience and knowledge, contributing to the further integration of Ukrainian science into the European Research Area.
