Shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ERC called on its grantees to offer temporary employment to displaced researchers and support staff, including technicians and lab managers from Ukraine. This initiative aligned with the ERC Scientific Council’s statement on solidarity with Ukraine and its research community.
The ERC reached out to all its grantees again in 2023 to gather information on potential job opportunities. As a result, more than 700 job openings were compiled and published on the ERC website and other platforms, helping displaced Ukrainian researchers find refuge and work within the EU.
Ongoing support in 2024: the ERC mentoring initiative
In 2024, the ERC continued its commitment to supporting Ukrainian researchers through initiatives like the ERC mentoring initiative. This programme connects Ukrainian researchers with experienced mentors who provide guidance on preparing and submitting high-quality grant applications.
Developed in collaboration with the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine and the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (NRFU), the ERC mentoring initiative aims to strengthen research capabilities, foster international collaboration, and help Ukrainian scientists secure vital funding for their groundbreaking projects. More details can be found on the ERC mentoring initiative page.
Additional support and resources for Ukrainian researchers
Beyond the ERC’s efforts, several other European programmes and initiatives offer support to Ukrainian researchers:
- Horizon Europe Programme – Detailed guidance and funding opportunities for Ukrainian researchers on the European Commission website.
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – Fellowship and research funding options on the MSCA webpage.
- ERA4Ukraine Portal – Tailored resources for Ukrainian researchers through the EURAXESS - ERA4Ukraine platform.
- Science4Refugees Initiative – Career opportunities and support services for refugee researchers on the EURAXESS Science4Refugees page.
- EURAXESS Network – Jobs, funding, and support services for researchers across Europe on the EURAXESS website.
- National and Institutional Initiatives – National research councils and institutions may offer additional opportunities on their websites or the country-specific sections on the EURAXESS portal.
Through these initiatives, the ERC and other programmes are helping Ukrainian researchers continue their vital work, ensuring they remain connected to the global research community despite the challenges they face.
