The implementation of the “International Project Capacity Development Program” continues at Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, which is being implemented within the framework of the Winter School “Internationalisation of Higher Education”, organised by the VGO “Innovative University”.
The goal of the initiative is to strengthen the university’s participation in international grant programs and to to develop a project culture among scientific and pedagogical staff.
Another workshop on the topic “Horizon Europe – from idea to consortium” was held recently. The event was hosted by the Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Head of the National Research Centre “Joint Research Centre” Horizon Europe, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Lubomyr Nykyruy.
The event highlighted key aspects of participation in the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program, which opens up wide opportunities for attracting grant funding, implementing scientific research, and integrating university scientists into the international research space.
Particular attention was paid to the challenges that arise at the initial stages of preparing project applications. In particular, the difficulty of establishing effective partnerships was emphasised, since even existing professional contacts do not always transform into a willingness to launch new joint initiatives. At the same time, an important aspect is the formation of consortia – associations of research teams from different organizations representing at least three EU countries or associated states, which requires proper coordination and significant organizational efforts.
During the workshop, Lubomyr Nykyruy emphasised: “The most difficult thing is to take the first steps to create a partnership, because not always even existing partners are ready to start new cooperation. Another difficulty with Horizon Europe projects is the need to form a consortium of research teams from at least three EU countries or associated states. This is a challenge that requires painstaking work to overcome.”
The practical part of the event was aimed at developing basic skills in preparing project proposals. Participants worked on creating a researcher profile on the program’s participant portal, identifying relevant competitions based on their scientific interests, and initiating communication with potential partners.
The implementation of such measures will contribute to the gradual increase in the level of project competence of scientific and pedagogical staff, the intensification of international cooperation, and the formation of prerequisites for successful participation in international grant programs.
