Peculiarities of the Formation and Implementation of Research Topics in Institutions of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine under Martial Law

Abstract

The patterns of research themes formation at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) during the period of martial law are discussed; results of analysis of the implementation of selected targeted science and technology programs, competitive and contractual themes are provided. A review of the information contained in annual reports of NASU, speeches by the NASU President and members of the NASU Presidium at the sessions of the General Assembly of NASU showed that in response to the current challenges and demands of Ukrainian society, NASU institutions increased their focus on defense-related R&D, placing higher priority on issues related to the development of advanced military technology, its modernization, weaponry, and personnel protection systems. The results of basic and applied research conducted by NASU institutions across a wide range of scientific fields indicate that, despite the difficulties of the war, these institutions continue to provide scientific support for Ukraine’s energy, aerospace, machine-building, metallurgy, defense industry, mining, and information and communication sectors. The NASU researchers focus primarily on strengthening the domestic defense capability and security, as well as on creating a scientific foundation for post-war reconstruction and furthering innovation in the industrial sector of the Ukrainian economy. It is shown that despite the war, destruction, underfunding, and staff shortages, NASU institutions proposed several significant applied developments to ensure energy, environmental, medical, and food security, as well as demonstrated remarkable achievements in basic research, the results of which gained international recognition. The authors of the article conclude that the research themes of NASU match the priority areas of science and technology; NASU institutions form research topics with reference to global trends and the needs of Ukraine’s economic, social, and cultural development. The creation of scientific and coordination councils at NASU, the involvement of representatives from business entities and public organizations in shaping applied research themes, enhances the reliability of evaluating R&D prospects and contributes to the professional conduct of scientific expertise in selecting research projects. The authors propose measures aimed at strengthening R&D capacities of NASU and improving R&D performance during the wartime and post-war period.