On 26 June, during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, the High-Level Steering Committee of the International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine adopted the Gdańsk Declaration, signalling a new phase in international cooperation on Ukraine's science, research and innovation ecosystem.
While the Coalition was established to respond to the immediate challenges caused by Russia's full-scale war of aggression, the Declaration looks beyond emergency support. It sets out a long-term vision that places research and innovation (R&I) at the heart of Ukraine's recovery and recognises the country's growing contribution to Europe's knowledge economy and competitiveness.
From solidarity to strategic partnership
One of the Declaration's clearest messages is that international cooperation should evolve from solidarity to genuine partnership. Despite the destruction of research infrastructure and universities, Ukrainian researchers have continued to deliver internationally recognised expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, agriculture and civilian protection. The Declaration therefore recognises Ukraine not only as a recipient of support, but as a valued scientific partner whose expertise strengthens the European Research Area.
Future cooperation should be built on long-term institutional partnerships, joint research and mutual exchange, reflecting both Ukraine's priorities and the knowledge and innovation capacity it brings to Europe.
Making research part of recovery
The Declaration argues that research and innovation should be embedded in Ukraine's recovery financing rather than treated as a separate sector. Coalition members reaffirmed the objective of allocating an adequate level of international recovery support to research and innovation, helping universities, research-performing organisations and funding bodies continue operating and rebuild for the future. They also underlined that financial commitments must be accompanied by a clear strategy for investing these resources where they can have the greatest long-term impact.
Participants stressed that recovery should support the entire R&I cycle – from higher education and doctoral training to research infrastructures, innovation, technology transfer, start-up support and industrial collaboration – ensuring that investment contributes to sustainable economic development.
Investing in people and institutions
The Steering Committee identified human capital as one of the greatest priorities for recovery. While damaged infrastructure can be rebuilt, losing a generation of researchers would have lasting consequences. The Declaration therefore calls for stronger links between Ukrainian researchers at home and abroad, helping transform brain drain into brain circulation through international collaboration and mobility.
Building resilient institutions is equally important. Strengthening research management, grant administration, transparent evaluation, independent peer review and merit-based funding will help create a modern research system capable of supporting Ukraine's long-term development.
A platform for coordinated action
As support for Ukraine grows, effective coordination becomes increasingly important. The Declaration reaffirms the Coalition's role as a strategic platform that aligns bilateral, multilateral and international initiatives with Ukraine's priorities and European Union policies. Through its Communities of Interest and other collaborative mechanisms, the Coalition aims to connect governments, funding organisations, universities and researchers, ensuring that cooperation is complementary, practical and driven by shared priorities.
The Steering Committee also reviewed early initiatives emerging from this work, including proposals to facilitate the delivery of donated research equipment and support for Ukraine's Science Ambassador initiative.
Supporting Ukraine's European future
The Declaration places research and innovation firmly within Ukraine's broader path towards European integration. Continued participation in Horizon Europe, engagement in European University Alliances and progress on EU accession reforms, particularly under Chapter 25, remain central priorities.
Ultimately, the Gdańsk Declaration marks a shift in perspective. Recovery is no longer understood simply as rebuilding what has been lost, but as creating a stronger, more resilient and internationally connected research and innovation ecosystem. By embedding science and innovation into reconstruction efforts and strengthening long-term partnerships, the Coalition aims to help Ukraine's recovery become a driver of sustainable growth, resilience and a more competitive Europe.