Call for Excellent Fundamental Science Research Projects in Ukraine

The National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU) 2026 call funds high-quality fundamental research projects that advance scientific knowledge and address societal challenges. With up to UAH 800 million available over three years, the program supports research teams in generating new theories, discoveries, and insights, strengthening Ukraine’s global research competitiveness.

Program Overview

The NRFU 2026 call aims to promote fundamental research that contributes to scientific advancement, socio-economic development, and global competitiveness. Unlike applied research, this program emphasizes generating new knowledge, theories, methods, and insights rather than immediate practical applications. It targets research groups combining leading and early-career researchers.

Key Highlights:

• Total funding: UAH 800 million over three years
  • 2027: up to UAH 300 million
  • 2028–2029: up to UAH 250 million per year
• Eligible research: Fundamental research addressing scientific, technological, social, and societal challenges
• Supported expenses: Salaries, materials, equipment, travel, publications, patents, software, conferences, and research infrastructure access
• Indirect costs capped at 15% of direct costs

Objectives and Scope

Funded projects are expected to:

• Generate fundamental knowledge, such as new hypotheses, theories, and methods of inquiry
• Discover natural laws, previously unknown phenomena, or societal patterns
• Contribute to long-term scientific and societal progress
• Strengthen Ukraine’s position in global research and knowledge networks

The program is not intended for projects with immediate economic or applied outcomes. All research outputs should focus on fundamental scientific discovery and knowledge generation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must ensure:

• Projects strictly focus on fundamental research, not applied research or commercial outcomes
• No information classified as a state secret is included in the proposal
• A guarantee letter confirming absence of classified content is signed by the head of the submitting institution
• Responsibility for compliance lies with the submitting legal entity

How to Apply

1. Confirm that the project focuses on fundamental research and does not include state secrets
2. Assemble a research team of leading and early-career researchers
3. Prepare a proposal detailing research objectives, methodology, expected fundamental outcomes, and budget
4. Include a signed guarantee letter confirming no classified information is submitted
5. Submit the application according to NRFU guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing applied or commercially focused research
• Including any information that could be classified as a state secret
• Failing to provide the required guarantee letter
• Misallocating funds outside permitted direct and indirect costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What type of research is eligible?
   Fundamental research generating new theories, methods, discoveries, or insights. Applied research is not eligible.
2. How much total funding is available?
   Up to UAH 800 million over three years.
3. Can funds be used for equipment and travel?
   Yes, direct costs such as salaries, materials, equipment, travel, publications, patents, and research infrastructure access are covered.
4. Are indirect costs allowed?
   Yes, up to 15% of direct costs.
5. Can projects include classified information?
   No, proposals must not contain state secrets, confirmed by a signed guarantee letter.
6. Who can apply?
   Research groups comprising leading and early-career researchers affiliated with a legal entity in Ukraine.
7. Are immediate practical applications required?
   No, projects must focus on fundamental knowledge rather than economic or applied outcomes.

Conclusion

The NRFU 2026 call provides a significant opportunity for Ukrainian researchers to advance fundamental science and contribute to societal knowledge. By supporting projects that generate new theories, discoveries, and insights, the program strengthens Ukraine’s research capacity and global competitiveness while fostering high-impact scientific inquiry.