RIFF - Research Infrastructures for the Future of Ukraine

Research Infrastructure for Ukraine's Future – Roadmap for Sustainable Growth and Recovery (RIFF)

Duration: 2025–2028 (36 months)
Project ID: 101215656
Funding: European Union, Horizon Europe Programme (Research Infrastructures category)
Project Level: International

Partners:

• Masaryk University (MUNI), Czech Republic – Coordinator;
• Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Germany;
• European Future Innovation Systems Centre (EFIS), Belgium;
• Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences (GESIS), Germany;
• Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of NAS of Ukraine (IMBG), Ukraine;
• Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering (INESC), Portugal;
• Kyiv Academic University (KAU), Ukraine;
• Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT), Ukraine;
• Lviv Polytechnic National University (LPNU), Ukraine;
• National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU), Ukraine;
• National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA), Ukraine;
• National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP), Ukraine;
• Jagiellonian University (SOLARIS), Poland;
• University of Milano-Bicocca (UNIMIB), Italy;
• (Associated Partner) National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU), Ukraine.

The RIFF project aims to support the renewal and modernization of Ukraine’s Research Infrastructures (RIs), addressing the destruction and challenges caused by the war.

It combines two approaches:
– bottom-up — open calls for proposals, training activities, and awareness-raising among Ukrainian RIs;
– top-down — consultations with government bodies, policymakers, and the scientific community to design a strategic roadmap for development.

RIFF applies the peer-review methodology recognized by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), engages international experts, and fosters connections between Ukrainian and European research centers.

The key outcome of the project will be a Roadmap for the Development of Ukraine’s Research Infrastructures, providing practical recommendations on funding, modernization, and integration of Ukrainian RIs into the European Research Area (ERA).

Main objectives of RIFF:
– Develop a roadmap for the recovery and development of research infrastructures in Ukraine;
– Create a training program for infrastructure managers, operators, and policymakers in R&I;
– Ensure the promotion of results and engagement of Ukrainian and international stakeholders in strategic initiatives.

The project is of strategic importance for Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area (ERA), supporting the restoration of the research infrastructure system and strengthening cooperation with European partners. It will not only help rebuild damaged facilities but also create a new model of interaction between universities, research institutions, government, and business.

Within RIFF, information days and workshops will be held across Ukrainian cities to introduce the concept of research infrastructures, build institutional capacity, and foster sustainable partnerships with European RIs. Additionally, a cascade grant competition for Ukrainian research infrastructures is planned for March 2026.