Ukrainian Science Part Of European Security Architecture Expert

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) This was stated in an interview with Ukrinform by Kseniia Smyrnova, President of the Ukrainian Association of European Law and former Vice-Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

“Ukrainian science is an integral part of our national security architecture. It is a priority, and all our efforts are directed towards it,” Smyrnova emphasized.

“This security dimension encompasses both the humanities – combating disinformation, analysing geopolitical shifts and forecasting developments – and the natural sciences. The latter include developing new defense systems and technologies that use artificial intelligence in drone and counter-drone systems. This is one of Ukraine's key strengths,” the expert said.

Smyrnova noted that the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance is beginning to take practical shape.

“However, research centers are not yet part of its remit. Our next task is therefore to strengthen the alliance by incorporating scientific expertise and analysis. It really is an entire ecosystem. For example, we are expanding our knowledge of the effects of electronic warfare systems on the human body and advancing innovations in the early warning of drone attack,” Smyrnova said, adding that these technologies should form the basis for specific technological products.

In her view, the future of Ukrainian universities will involve effectively combining education, science and industry, and Ukrainian scientists now have an opportunity to put this concept into practice.

“Our European partners understand how important it is to help us in this area, and we continue to advocate for Ukraine's interests. One of my key messages is: 'No research about Ukraine without Ukrainian researchers' – a reworking of President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement, 'No negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine'. Whenever anyone conducts research on Ukraine or seeks to apply its findings, Ukrainian researchers must be involved,” the expert said, expressing her conviction that Ukrainian science“will make the EU stronger.”

She emphasized that Ukraine needs established project teams and leadership to achieve this.

“Alongside researchers engaged in research and development, universities need dedicated teams to support grant applications and project management. We have experience in setting up these coordination centers and grant support services. Universities need to cut bureaucratic red tape to encourage researchers to participate more actively in international funding competitions,” Smyrnova concluded.

Read also: Exhibition 'Unissued Diplomas' on Ukrainian students killed in war presented at Prague Conference

As reported, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has allocated UAH 3 billion for a new performance-based basic funding model for scientists, and another UAH 1 billion to establish defense research centers at leading universities.

MENAFN21102026000193011044ID1111841109