Ukraine needs breakthrough ideas and it is critical here to unlock national scientific potential, urges Prime Minister

On Thursday, November 12, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Anatolii Zahorodniy.

On behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister congratulated him on his election as the NASU President and wished him to reach new scientific tops with the Academy.

During the meeting, Anatolii Zahorodniy informed Denys Shmyhal about the reform of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and its involvement in solving current scientific and technical problems of the economic and social spheres.

The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine noted that among the priority activities of the Academy is the development of issues related to changing the structure of the institution in terms of expanding support for young scientists.

"We should exert every effort and elaborate appropriate measures to widely involve young people in scientific processes. It is critical to create favorable conditions for their work and provide a decent salary to win a regional competition for them," said Denis Shmygal.

According to Anatolii Zahorodniy, the Coordination Council for Reforming the Institution had already been established and was tasked with ensuring coordination and control over the implementation of relevant measures. He also informed the Prime Minister that in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine, a Concept of the National Program for the Development of the Humanitarian Sphere of Ukraine was being drafted.

In addition, the Prime Minister and the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine discussed financial support for the work of the institution next year in terms of program implementation and capital expenditures.

"The development of science certainly remains a key area of work of the Government, because the progress in this industry has a great impact and entails progress in all other areas. Ukraine needs breakthrough ideas and drivers for socio-economic growth and for this purpose, it is critical to unlock our scientific potential," stressed Denys Shmyhal.

Moreover, the parties discussed funding for basic and applied research in molecular biology and medicine for the healthcare sector purposes. In particular, the implementation of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, the creation of new drugs and approaches for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases, as well as the development of new diagnostic methods.