On 10 June 2025, the “EURATOM NCP IN UKRAINE” Annual Workshop 2025 was held in Kyiv in a hybrid format (online/offline) as part of the EU-UA Nuclear Research and Education Capacity Building (NURECAB) project (Euratom, Horizon Europe). The event was organized by the EURATOM National Contact Point in Ukraine (NCP Euratom – Nuclear Fission and NCP Euratom – Fusion) at the National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology”.

The main objective of the meeting was to highlight the upcoming EURATOM Work Programme 2026–2027 and to plan the necessary steps for participation in its upcoming calls.
The event gathered 55 participants representing Ukrainian universities, research institutions, industry, and youth organizations.

A key focus was to showcase opportunities for the Ukrainian nuclear community to participate in European events relevant to the Euratom Programme — fostering scientific networking and the development of project ideas for future Euratom calls.

Another important topic was the recent activities of the European nuclear community, with a focus on the FISA EURADWASTE 2025 and SNETP Forum. Analysis of materials from this conference provided insight into ongoing Euratom projects, nuclear energy development strategies in Europe and specific EU countries, technological research areas in nuclear fission, policy engagement, and public outreach.

The workshop also served as a platform for young Ukrainian researchers to present their experiences in international projects and to explore educational opportunities in nuclear research and innovation.
The young generation is one of the key audiences of the nuclear sector. Their presentations alongside experienced speakers offered valuable success stories — from youth, for youth — to inspire further involvement in the Ukrainian and European nuclear communities, and to foster future innovation and collaboration in the field.

Participants had the opportunity to network with European colleagues, establish new professional connections, and receive useful information for future cooperation.

Main topics discussed:

  • Overview of the NURECAB project and mobility programme.
  • Results of the study on gaps between academic curricula and the needs of Ukraine’s nuclear sector.
  • Review of the FISA EURADWASTE 2025 conference.
  • Youth involvement in nuclear energy and a summary of ENYGF 2025.
  • Preparation for the EURATOM Work Programme 2026–2027: challenges and opportunities.
  • Research and educational opportunities from the Joint Research Centre (JRC).
  • Overview of the nuclear industry in Poland. Experience of the Polish Euratom NCP.
  • Artificial Intelligence in the nuclear sector. Examples of digitalisation and robotics research in nuclear.

Speakers included:

  • Sergii Pugach, Head of Euratom NCP for Nuclear Fission in Ukraine, NSC “KhPTI”
  • Yurii Kovtun, Head of Euratom NCP for Fusion in Ukraine, NSC “KhPTI”
  • Vitalii Zhurenko, Senior Researcher, Euratom NCP Ukraine (Fission), NSC “KhPTI”
  • Anna Butenko, 3rd-year student, School of Physics and Technology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
  • Ihor Kadenko, Professor, Head of Department, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
  • Kateryna Piliuhina, Programme Manager, European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN), Belgium
  • Daria Papezhuk, Field Reactor Operator, Rivne NPP, SE NNEGC “Energoatom”, Ukraine
  • Eduard Omelchuk, Field Reactor Operator, Rivne NPP, SE NNEGC “Energoatom”, Ukraine
  • Lyubomyr Nykyruy, Professor, Head of Department, JRC NCP, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ukraine
  • Aneta Maszewska, Head of Euratom NCP, Poland, National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), Poland
  • Omar Zahra, Researcher, Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Norway

Conference materials

Presentations:

Video recordings:
“EURATOM NCP IN UKRAINE” ANNUAL WORKSHOP 2025 (ukrainian)
“EURATOM NCP IN UKRAINE” ANNUAL WORKSHOP 2025 (english)

The NURECAB project (GA#101173510) is funded by the European Union under the Euratom Research and Training Programme (HORIZON EUROPE).
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.