The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine is introducing a new model for the accreditation and funding of research institutions. This model stipulates that state funds will be distributed based on actual performance results, rather than solely on the principle of maintenance.
This was reported with reference to the Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi.
Accreditation of over 500 institutions
Over the course of the year, more than 500 research institutions and higher education establishments underwent accreditation in six areas: agrarian-veterinary, social, engineering-technological, natural-mathematical, biomedical, and humanitarian-artistic.
«23 research institutions that demonstrated the highest efficiency have already received additional basic funding.
From January 1, 2026, an additional 158 accredited research institutions and 110 universities will receive this funding,» — noted Lisovyi.
Transition from maintenance to development
According to the minister, the state will invest more in those who create new knowledge, conduct research, attract extrabudgetary resources, and contribute to the development of the economy and defense.
«We have implemented a model of fair competition, where funding depends on actual results. This is a transition from maintenance to development,» — emphasized the head of the Ministry of Education and Science.
New funding proportions starting in 2026
From next year, a new formula for supporting science will come into effect, which will determine funding proportions based on research areas:
- for humanities: 20% — equipment, 18% — overhead costs, 62% — salaries;
- for natural sciences: 35% — equipment, 18% — overhead costs, 47% — salaries.
The draft state budget for 2026 allocates nearly 3 billion hryvnias for supporting science under the new model. This will allow for increased salaries for researchers, the modernization of laboratories, and the attraction of young researchers.
Support for regions and young scientists
The model also includes additional coefficients:
- +20% for experimental areas with expensive equipment;
- support for institutions in frontline communities;
- additional funding for relocated research institutions.
Moreover, a National Researcher System of Ukraine is being established, which will encompass over 2,600 scientists. They will receive monthly stipends of up to 10,000 UAH to implement their own projects.
«We are creating conditions for researchers to develop their ideas here, in Ukraine,» — emphasized Lisovyi.
Integration into the international scientific environment
Ukraine has joined the International Coalition for Science, Research, and Innovation, created in collaboration with the EU and partners during a conference in Rome.
«This is a foundation for integrating Ukrainian science into the European and global research space,» — noted the minister.
