The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MES) announces a competitive call for applications from higher education institutions to establish University-based Centers of Research Excellence (CoRE) (hereinafter — the Call).

The initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine’s scientific and technological capacity, foster applied research, and accelerate the integration of research outcomes into the real sector of the economy.

Priority Fields and Areas of the Call

The Call is conducted within specific priority fields defined by the Strategy for Digital Development of Innovation Activities of Ukraine until 2030, approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of December 31, 2024, No. 1351.

The priority fields and thematic areas will be further specified in the official Call Announcement and accompanying materials.

Key Functions of the Centers of Research Excellence

The activities of the Centers will focus on the following core functions:

• conducting applied scientific research and scientific-and-technical (experimental) development to enhance the national scientific and technological potential and promote high-tech innovation;
  
• rapid integration of research results with practical application into the real sector of the economy;
  
• supporting the training of highly qualified specialists in natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and technology.
  

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants are state-owned higher education institutions, regardless of their sectoral affiliation, that submit an application to participate in the Call.

To be eligible, higher education institutions must:

• be classified in Group A and/or B based on the results of the most recent state certification in the fields of Engineering and Technology and/or Natural and Mathematical Sciences;
  
• have premises located on basement or semi-basement levels, or provide confirmed plans for their adaptation or renovation, ensuring compliance with building codes, national standards, technical regulations, and safety requirements;
  
• be able to provide on-site or blended learning for students in educational programmes related to the priority field(s) of the Center as of the application submission date;
  
• engage partners (research institutions, universities, and businesses) in the development and operation of the Center, with such partnerships specified in the draft regulations and founding documents.
  

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• the human resource capacity and performance in scientific, scientific-and-technical, innovative, and educational activities;
  
• proven experience of cooperation with industry, business entities, and the defence-industrial sector;
  
• the condition of the material, technical, and experimental research infrastructure;
  
• availability of premises that meet safety requirements for staff and equipment;
  
• the quality and feasibility of the strategic development plan, including the vision, mission, and implementation steps;
  
• the security level of the territory where the Center will be located, in accordance with the national risk assessment methodology related to the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine (Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 866 of August 2, 2024).
  

Additional Advantages in Expert Evaluation

Additional points will be awarded for:

• securing co-financing from project partners amounting to at least 5% of the total project budget;
  
• availability of backup power supply, including renewable or alternative energy systems;
  
• presence of specialized institutional support units for comprehensive project management (procurement, legal, financial, intellectual property, and other support services).
  

Specific Conditions for Establishing a Center

• The Center’s team may include up to 20 staff members, including researchers, engineers, students, and PhD candidates, with paid positions.
  
• Staff from partner institutions and businesses may be involved.
  
• The Head of the Center, Operational Manager, and Heads of research areas must be employed by the Center as their primary workplace.
  
• The Center must ensure safe working conditions and secure installation and operation of equipment.
  
• The Center must have uninterrupted power supply under conditions of energy instability.
  
• The Center should integrate existing institutional units and establish partnerships with external organizations.
  
• Research outputs must have applied value and deliver tangible results in the short term, aligned with the country’s current needs.
  

Implementation Stages

The establishment of the Center will take place in two stages:

1. Year 1 — development of the concept, preparation of premises, procurement, installation, and commissioning of equipment;
   
2. Year 2 — implementation of the Center’s core tasks and functions in accordance with the technical assignment under the contract.
   

Application Procedure

• Within five calendar days from the announcement of the Call, the higher education institution must submit an official letter of interest, signed by the Rector or an authorized representative, from the institution’s official email address to:
  
  • iryna.krasovska@mon.gov.ua
    
  • olha.klochkova@mon.gov.ua
    
• Within two calendar days after receiving the letter of interest, MES will provide a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
  
• No later than January 23, 2026 (16:00 Kyiv time), the authorized representative must submit two signed hard copies of the NDA in person to the MES and receive the official Call materials.
  

Deadline for Submission

The final deadline for submitting application documents is
February 27, 2026, at 16:00 (Kyiv time).

Contacts for Consultation

Call Coordinator:
Iryna Krasovska
Tel.: +380 (44) 287 72 55
E-mail: iryna.krasovska@mon.gov.ua

Call Consultant:
Olha Klochkova
Tel.: +380 (44) 287 82 49
E-mail: olha.klochkova@mon.gov.ua