Інтерфакс-Україна

Ministry of Education: Ukraine Establishes Institute of International Scientific Ambassadors

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has initiated the creation of an Institute of International Scientific Ambassadors, aimed at enhancing international scientific cooperation. This initiative seeks to engage Ukrainian scientists who have found themselves abroad due to the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation in active scientific endeavors and the promotion of Ukrainian science.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has taken a significant step by initiating the establishment of an Institute of International Scientific Ambassadors. This new institution is designed to serve as a vital instrument for fostering international scientific collaboration. The primary objective of this initiative is to involve Ukrainian scientists who, as a result of the ongoing full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation, are currently residing outside the country, encouraging their active participation in scientific activities and the promotion of Ukrainian science.

According to a statement from the ministry, by 2026, the Ukrainian scientific diaspora is expected to consist of thousands of talented professionals working in leading universities and research laboratories across the European Union, the United States, and other countries worldwide. A crucial task for Ukraine is to establish systematic interaction with each representative of this diaspora, ensuring they receive support and conveying the message that their knowledge and expertise are critically needed for the country's development.

The ministry emphasizes that the contributions of these scientific ambassadors will serve as a colossal resource for promoting Ukrainian science, as well as for transferring leading scientific practices back to Ukraine. Typically, a scientific ambassador is a researcher with historical ties to Ukrainian universities or research institutions, currently working in prominent scientific organizations abroad, and representing the interests of Ukrainian science on the global stage.

The main goal of the scientific ambassadors' activities is to facilitate the establishment of international contacts, search for partners, and engage Ukrainian researchers in international programs and projects. They are also expected to assist Ukrainian higher education institutions and research organizations in becoming more visible on the international arena, collaborating more actively with foreign colleagues, and participating in global scientific initiatives.

Furthermore, the activities of the ambassadors are intended to contribute to forming an objective international perception of Ukrainian science, as well as countering disinformation and manipulative narratives that could harm Ukraine's interests. The ministry believes that the introduction of the Institute of International Scientific Ambassadors is a vital step in the development of contemporary scientific policy in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine hopes that this institute will help establish a sustainable international presence for Ukrainian researchers, enhance their competitiveness, strengthen trust in Ukrainian science, and systematically build and reinforce connections with the Ukrainian scientific diaspora. This initiative represents an important step towards the restoration and development of the country's scientific infrastructure in the face of modern challenges.