The 1st Ukrainian–European Science Diplomacy Forum, a high-level event bringing together scholars, policymakers and international partners to discuss the role of science diplomacy in times of crisis and transformation.

Over the past four years of full-scale war, Ukrainian researchers and academic institutions have continued their work under extraordinary conditions, both within Ukraine and across Europe. Scholars who remained in the country as well as those who relocated abroad have developed new models of international cooperation, maintaining research activity and cross-border collaboration despite disruption.

The Forum will create a European platform for dialogue on science diplomacy, resilience, recovery and international academic exchange, highlighting Ukraine not only as a partner in reconstruction but also as a contributor to Europe’s knowledge ecosystem.

Participants include representatives of:

• European and Ukrainian ministries

• the European Commission

• UNESCO

• international research organisations and funding bodies

• leading universities

• Ukrainian science diaspora networks across Europe.

The programme combines institutional perspectives with three thematic panels:

• The strategic role of the Ukrainian science diaspora in Europe
• Multilateral science diplomacy and global scientific alliances
• Scientific cooperation across diplomacy, heritage, arts and culture.

The Forum will also produce two policy briefs addressing science diplomacy as a pathway for EU–Ukraine cooperation and the academic integration of displaced researchers.