Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences and Sectoral Academies Require Thoughtful Transformation, Says Kurbatov

Denis Kurbatov, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, believes that the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) and sectoral academies require substantial changes. However, he asserts that such transformations must occur in a very measured and cautious manner, as this is a sensitive area that encompasses a significant amount of property and numerous stakeholders.

In an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency, Kurbatov stated, "In fact, I would like to say no. However, it is evident that everything must change and transform. There are no areas that were created perfectly from the start... This is a very sensitive sphere – there is a lot of property and many interested individuals who seek to influence it. Therefore, all changes must be made very carefully and thoughtfully."

When asked about the necessity of reforming academic environments and presidiums, Kurbatov emphasized that this process should involve the community itself. "There are many people there who think progressively. But this must be done – precisely for the sake of development. For me, the biggest criterion is the number of young people. If there are no young individuals in an institution, enterprise, or business, it indicates a lack of development," he remarked.

Kurbatov also pointed out that if very few young people are engaged in scientific activities within the academies for various reasons, this serves as a signal for change. "Over time, the situation may degrade. And that is something we would very much like to avoid," he added, highlighting the importance of involving youth in scientific endeavors.

The Deputy Minister further expressed the opinion that the state cannot simply halt the development of institutions that have over a century of history and have provided Ukraine with many positive solutions and technologies. "They definitely need to be transformed," he stressed, emphasizing the need to find a balance between preserving history and implementing new approaches.

Kurbatov recalled a case in one of the European Union countries where funding for an academy was ceased as of January 1, effectively reducing it to the status of a public organization with advisory functions. "Is it reasonable to do something similar during wartime? Do we have a corresponding Ministry of Science and Technology capable of taking over and ensuring quality administration for hundreds of institutions? Will we lose more from this than we gain? I don't know," he remarked, questioning the appropriateness of such radical changes under current conditions.

According to Kurbatov, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine is currently moving towards revolutionary changes through a systematic evaluation of the institutions themselves, a radical overhaul of their funding mechanisms, and a critical assessment of individual scientists. "We are currently creating the National Researcher System of Ukraine, which will also serve as an additional system for identifying and supporting the best scientists. Therefore, I believe that we are not ignoring this topic, but I do not see a global radical or political solution at this time," the Deputy Minister concluded, expressing hope for the further development of the scientific sector in Ukraine.