Round Table of the National Contact Point “Horizon Europe”

On December 18, 2024, the National Contact Point for the “Climate, Energy, and Mobility” area at Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies organized a large-scale round table dedicated to the participation of Ukrainian scientists in the European Union’s research and innovation program, “Horizon Europe.” The event aimed to introduce representatives from business, local governments, and public organizations to the opportunities provided by the program and to foster their cooperation with higher education institutions and research organizations. The round table was moderated by Vladyslav DANISHEVSKYI, Head of the NCP and Director of the SEI PSACEA of USUST.

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from:

  • Mykola SAVYTSKYI, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, International Activities, and Innovative Development;
  • Yurii PROIDAK, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work;
  • Oleh TUPYTSIA, Chair of the Coordinating Council on Higher Education under the City Council of Dnipro;
  • Viktor SERHIEIEV, Head of the Federation of Employers’ Organizations of Dnipropetrovsk Region;
  • Serhii KUCHERIAVENKO, Vice-President of the Dnipro Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
  • Oleksandr YAKUSHEV, General Director of LLC “DNIPROMETYZ TAS”;
  • Alona SLIUSAR, Co-owner of LLC “UNIPROMENERGOSERVICE” and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the “Good Planet” Charitable Foundation;
  • Ivan STEPANOV, Advisor to the General Director of the State Enterprise “Production Association “Pivdennyi Machine-Building Plant named after O.M. Makarov”.

Presentations on innovative solutions with European Partners delivered by:

  • Marina BABENKO, Cand. of Tech. Sc. and Head of the International Scientific Cooperation Center, presented the PRECEPT project, focusing on implementing digital platforms to enhance the energy efficiency of residential buildings. She highlighted the role of digital technologies in creating eco-friendly and comfortable living environments;
  • Anton SMYRNOV, Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering and Researcher at the Laboratory for Research of Atomic and Thermal Power Plants (LRATPP), discussed the ENERGENIUS project, which uses gamification, artificial intelligence, and digital twins to promote energy conservation. According to the speaker, such technologies make innovations accessible to a broader audience;
  • Yevhen RYZHENKO, Didactic Manager at the “Festo” SE, shared the company’s experience with the HEn4 Erasmus KA2 project, emphasizing the importance of involving students and young researchers in implementing innovations within the framework of Industry 4.0.

Kostiantyn SUKHYI, Rector of Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, summarized the round table discussions. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, business, and public organizations for successful participation in the “Horizon Europe” Program and efficient use of international funding. He noted that implementing joint projects like these contributes to Ukraine’s sustainable development, enhances its competitiveness, and supports integration into the European scientific community. Moreover, such initiatives will play a crucial role in Ukraine’s post-war recovery.