The significant interest of medical professionals in participating in national and European grant programs, in particular the EU Research and Innovation Programme Horizon Europe, facilitated the meeting held on September 12, 2025, at the State Institution “Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute of the NAMS of Ukraine” with representatives of the “Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine” of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU).

The event was conducted in a hybrid format via videoconference and was dedicated to involving researchers from institutions of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine in international grant programs. During the live broadcast, the event registered more than 50 connections.

Opening remarks were delivered by:

• Olha Polotska, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor, Executive Director of the NRFU;

• Andrii Butenko, Professor, Head of the Department of International and Interagency Relations of the NAMS of Ukraine;

• Mykhailo Khyzhniak, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Acting Director of the State Institution “Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute of the NAMS of Ukraine.”

During the event, analytical reports were presented on strategies for integrating institutions of the NAMS of Ukraine into the European Research Area, along with panel discussions and thematic presentations on experience-sharing involving leading experts of the NRFU “Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine.”

Participants learned about the latest methods of supporting research careers, including those of medical specialists with scientific experience, as well as pathways to obtaining support for their professional and creative development. Successful case studies from leading experts in the field were also presented.

Experts familiarized the participants with the opportunities of Horizon Europe as the EU’s flagship Research and Innovation Programme (presented by Liudmyla Lisova, Chief Specialist of the Department).

They also gave a detailed overview of the activities and achievements of the Office for Ukrainian participants of the Programme since its establishment (presented by Ihor Taranov, Head of the Department).

Clarifications were provided regarding the first steps in the Programme, in particular the specifics of working with the EU Funding and Tenders Portal (presented by Nataliia Didenko, Deputy Head of the Department).

Special attention was devoted to opportunities and current calls within the “Health” cluster and the EU Mission “Cancer”, presented in detail by Taisiia Symochko, Chief Specialist of the Department.

All attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the event speakers. Horizon Europe is not only a chance to attract additional funding but also to expand the boundaries of cooperation at the European level.