The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has completed the first stage of the competitive selection of projects for fundamental research, applied research, research and development (experimental) projects, and projects of young scientists, with funding to be provided from the state budget in 2027.

A record 1,376 projects were submitted for the competitive selection. Of these, 1,166 projects were submitted under the main competitive selection and 210 projects under the competition for projects of young scientists.

The largest number of projects was submitted in the engineering and technology, social sciences, and natural and mathematical sciences fields.

The next stage of the selection process will be the scientific and scientific-technical expert evaluation of the submitted projects. To support this process, the Ministry of Education and Science is simultaneously updating the list of Ukrainian experts involved in scientific and scientific-technical evaluation.

In accordance with MES Order No. 1347, the competitive selection of new expert candidates and the evaluation of the performance of the current expert pool are currently underway. Particular attention is being paid to the “Security” research field. Specialists holding a valid Form 2 security clearance for access to state secrets will be involved in evaluating projects and materials containing restricted-access information.

The process of updating the expert list will take place in two stages.

By 13 September 2026, the Ministry of Education and Science, together with the State Scientific and Technical Library of Ukraine, will assess the performance of current experts and accept applications from new candidates. Based on the results of this assessment, the working group will develop proposals concerning the further participation of current experts in the evaluation process.

By 12 October 2026, following the competitive selection of new candidates and the evaluation of the existing expert pool, an updated list of experts will be established for the relevant research fields.

Who can apply to become an expert?

The selection is open to researchers and scientists who are citizens of Ukraine.

To participate, candidates should:

1. Log in to the NAUKA system;
2. Go to the expert candidate application form;
3. Complete the required information;
4. Submit the application to the responsible representative of the Ministry of Education and Science.

Detailed instructions are available on the NAUKA portal.

Since 2025, each completed expert evaluation conducted through the MES system is compensated in accordance with the applicable legislation.

The renewal of the national expert pool is an important step towards ensuring a transparent, professional and high-quality evaluation of research projects submitted for state budget funding and strengthening the overall quality of Ukraine’s research funding system.