Light for Ukraine iniciative
About
Light for Ukraine is a coordinated European initiative aimed at rebuilding and strengthening Ukraine’s scientific capacity through access to advanced research infrastructures, community development, and strategic international collaboration.
Launched in response to the large-scale disruption of Ukraine’s research and innovation system, the initiative brings together European research infrastructures, policymakers, funding bodies, and the scientific community to provide both immediate support and long-term solutions.
The war has significantly impacted Ukraine’s research infrastructure, limiting access to advanced facilities, disrupting scientific collaboration, and weakening institutional capacity. At the same time, maintaining and rebuilding a strong research and innovation system is essential for the country’s recovery, resilience, and future integration into the European Research Area. Light for Ukraine addresses these challenges by creating a coordinated framework that connects existing European capabilities with the needs of the Ukrainian scientific community.
The initiative is developed as a coordinated contribution of European photon (LEAPS) and neutron (LENS) research infrastructures, supporting and complementing the international coalition established by the European Commission to ensure a coherent and centralised approach to supporting Ukraine’s research and innovation system.
What we do
The initiative operates across three complementary levels, forming a coherent pathway from strategy to implementation:
Strategic framework
Through projects such as RIFF, Light for Ukraine supports the development of a long-term roadmap for the recovery and modernisation of research infrastructures in Ukraine, aligned with European standards and funding mechanisms.
Access and capacity building
Programmes as NEPHEWS provide Ukrainian researchers with access to leading European facilities, while offering training, mobility, and collaboration opportunities to build skills and strengthen scientific communities.
Infrastructure development
The initiative supports the creation of new research infrastructure, including the MAVKA beamline, developed as a dedicated instrument for the Ukrainian scientific community and a step towards future national capabilities.
Community support and knowledge exchange
Conferences and symposia, such as the Light for Ukraine Conference, bring together researchers, policymakers, and international partners to foster dialogue and strengthen collaboration.
shared infrastructure
MAVKA beamline
The MAVKA beamline is a flagship investment under the Light for Ukraine initiative, designed to support the reconstruction of Ukraine’s scientific capacity through shared, high-end research infrastructure.
Developed as a joint European effort at the SOLARIS Centre, the project brings together international partners and funding contributions to deliver open-access scientific capabilities, while creating a sustainable foundation for the long-term recovery and integration of Ukraine’s research and innovation system.
Advanced spectroscopy
Precise analysis of elemental composition and chemical states of materials.
Environmental research
Applications in pollution monitoring, remediation, and sustainable technologies.
Health and life sciences
Support for research in medicine, including studies on nutrient deficiencies and pharmaceuticals.
Cultural heritage
Non-destructive analysis of historical objects and materials for conservation and preservation.
international cooperation
Science diplomacy
Light for Ukraine is also a platform for science diplomacy, fostering collaboration between European institutions and Ukraine. By bringing together international partners, the initiative helps coordinate support, align investments, and ensure that scientific cooperation contributes to broader societal and economic recovery.
This coordinated approach strengthens Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area and reinforces the role of science as a bridge in times of crisis.
Light for Ukraine goes beyond immediate support. It aims to contribute to the development of a modern, resilient, and internationally connected research and innovation system in Ukraine. By combining strategic planning, access to infrastructure, capacity building, and international collaboration, the initiative creates the conditions for sustainable growth and long-term scientific excellence.
Building on this approach, the establishment of the Ukrainian Synchrotron Radiation Association marks an important step in strengthening the country’s scientific community. Developed with the support and experience of the Polish research environment, the initiative enables effective knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the adoption of best practices in the use of large-scale research infrastructures, fostering closer integration with European scientific networks.
riff and nephews projects
Empowering Ukrainian Scientific Community
Through coordinated programmes such as RIFF and NEPHEWS, Light for Ukraine provides comprehensive support for Ukrainian scientists by enabling access to advanced research infrastructures, building skills and expertise, and contributing to the long-term development of a resilient and internationally connected research system.
Access to infrastructures
Access to leading European photon and neutron research facilities, including beamtime and technical support.
Training and skills development
Workshops, mentoring, and hands-on experience to build scientific and technical expertise.
Mobility and collaboration
Opportunities for international cooperation, networking, and integration into European research communities.
Strategic development
Support for long-term planning and development of research infrastructures through European frameworks.