Sumy State University is the only regional institution that has joined the network of national contact centers within the EU Horizon Europe program. This is another important stage in the integration of Ukrainian institutions into the European research area.

The network was formed as part of measures aimed at strengthening the participation of Ukrainians in the EU Horizon Europe program based on the results of a competitive selection process.

According to the order of the Ukrainian Education and Science Ministry, a network of 22 national contact centers of Horizon Europe will be established in 10 Ukrainian regions. They will work at 14 higher education institutions, 4 scientific institutions of the National Academy of Sciences and 2 state institutions subordinated to the Ministries of Health and Environment. 

The only national contact center in Ukraine for the EU mission will be established at Sumy State University. It will be headed by Mykola Nazarov (head of the Center for Regional Security Studies).

The main center goal is to intensify the participation of Ukrainian institutions and organizations in the Horizon Europe and Euratom programs. Also, it is necessary to ensure an increase in the quantitative and qualitative indicators of participation and to attract European grants to Ukrainian research and innovation. This is an important stage in creating an infrastructure to support Ukrainian institutions and organizations in the Horizon Europe program.