Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted Law No. 10218, aimed at enhancing support for young researchers and improving the nation’s research infrastructure. This legislation was signed on March 19 and is now available on the official website of the Verkhovna Rada.
The Ministry of Education and Science explained that the law seeks to modernize the operational framework of research infrastructure while aligning Ukrainian legislation with European Union standards. Minister Oksen Lisovyi emphasized that the new regulations will establish clear operational guidelines and broaden support for emerging scientists, as well as facilitate access to research data.
Lisovyi stated, “This will enhance the quality of research and strengthen Ukraine’s position within the European research landscape.” The Ministry noted that the law’s development incorporated feedback from the scientific community, universities, academies, and young scientists’ councils, alongside recommendations from the European Commission during negotiations related to science and research.
Key Changes Introduced by the Law
- The law defines crucial concepts such as “open science,” “open access,” “optimized research data (FAIR data),” “National Electronic Scientific Information System,” and “postdoctoral researcher,” while refining the definition of “research infrastructure.”
- A comprehensive framework for research infrastructure operations is established, detailing the activities of local, distributed, and virtual infrastructures, and creating a Register of Research Infrastructure along with provisions for forming national consortia to pool resources.
- A section of the law focuses on developing human resources in science, introducing competitive selection mechanisms for postdoctoral researchers and expanding grant support opportunities from the National Research Fund of Ukraine for postgraduate education programs.
- The legislation redefines the role of scientific project leaders and their responsibilities in conducting research.
- It broadens scientists’ access to research infrastructure and scientific data while enhancing quality and reliability standards for research outcomes.
- Approaches to government procurement for scientific and technical developments are updated, and the objectives of state policy in science are expanded through the implementation of open science principles.
The Ministry concluded that the next step following the law’s approval will be its practical implementation and the initiation of support mechanisms for research and scientists. This legislative initiative was approved by the Ukrainian parliament on February 25, 2026, and was registered in the Rada in November 2023.
President Zelensky has signed a new law to enhance Ukraine's research infrastructure and support young scientists, aligning with EU standards. Key changes include clearer operational guidelines and expanded access to research data.