The proposals were set out in a joint document prepared on 15 October by delegations from the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (KRASP) and the Union of Rectors of Universities of Ukraine (ZRUU), during a Polish-Ukrainian Rectors’ Day at AGH University of Kraków. KRASP announced the proposals on Monday.
The rectors said cooperation should continue despite the ongoing war, stressing that restoring the ability of Ukrainian universities and research institutions to operate without disruption is an important part of Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The proposed university alliance would support joint research and development projects, personnel training and the implementation of new technologies.
Cooperation would cover areas including energy, security technologies, health, agriculture, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cultural heritage protection.
Plans also include a digital map of laboratories and research equipment, as well as access for Ukrainian researchers to Polish research infrastructure, including remote access.
The alliance would have a shared secretariat, an annual action plan and measurable targets.
The proposed Polish-Ukrainian Proof of Concept Fund would finance technology validation, prototype development and initial testing. Its establishment would require agreements between the two governments.
The authors said even a relatively small fund supporting projects worth EUR 50,000–250,000 could bridge the gap between research results and technologies ready to seek larger European grants.
Another proposal, called “EU Innovate Together”, would bring Polish and Ukrainian researchers together to address problems identified by Ukrainian cities, businesses, hospitals and public offices.
The rectors also called for greater involvement of businesses in designing university courses and for the development of joint industrial PhD programmes. Under this model, doctoral students would work on real economic problems under the supervision of two supervisors and a business or public-sector partner.
The authors said such programmes could support workforce development, technology transfer and internationalisation.
Participants also highlighted the need to counter information threats and disinformation, arguing that resilience to hostile propaganda and attempts to destabilise the country requires cooperation across academic disciplines.
The recommendations are to be submitted to the relevant ministers and national conferences of rectors.
The proposals also include reviewing legislation and developing financial and tax incentives for Polish companies involved in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
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Source: PAP