Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has profoundly impacted the country’s research and innovation system, disrupting scientific collaboration, limiting access to advanced facilities, and weakening institutional capacity. In this context, ensuring continuity of research activities and building long-term resilience of the Ukrainian scientific ecosystem has become a shared European priority.
In response, the Board of LEAPS appointed the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Center as the coordinating institution for activities aimed at strengthening the integration of the Ukrainian scientific community with European photon-based research infrastructures.
Light for Ukraine has since evolved into a coordinated European initiative, bringing together photon (LEAPS) and neutron (LENS) research infrastructures to support the development, integration, and long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s research system. The initiative is implemented in alignment with broader European efforts, including the international coalition established by the European Commission, contributing a dedicated infrastructure-based component to these activities.
From community support to systemic integration
The initiative was launched in 2023 through a series of workshops organised by SOLARIS in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, bringing together more than 200 researchers from across Europe. These activities enabled the identification of key research priorities and marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to integrate Ukrainian scientists into the European research infrastructure ecosystem.
Building on this foundation, Light for Ukraine has developed into a comprehensive framework combining:
- strategic planning of research infrastructures (RIFF),
- access to European facilities and capacity building (NEPHEWS),
- development of shared research infrastructure (MAVKA),
- integration of the scientific community through coordinated engagement activities
This approach ensures a coherent pathway from identifying needs and building competencies to delivering long-term infrastructure solutions.
MAVKA – a pilot model of shared European infrastructure
A central element of the initiative is the MAVKA beamline, currently under development at the SOLARIS synchrotron. MAVKA represents a pilot example of a shared European research infrastructure, co-developed and co-financed by international partners, and dedicated to the Ukrainian scientific community.
The project is based on a distributed investment model, combining financial and in-kind contributions from European institutions, and operates under open access principles aligned with ESFRI and ERIC standards. MAVKA provides not only new experimental capabilities, but also a long-term mechanism for integrating Ukrainian researchers into the European Research Area.
Access, collaboration, and community integration
Alongside infrastructure development, Light for Ukraine continues to support access to European research facilities and the development of scientific competencies through coordinated programmes and initiatives.
The Light for Ukraine Information Point serves as a centralised platform gathering opportunities offered by LEAPS and partner infrastructures, including access to beamtime, training, mobility schemes, and collaboration programmes. It simplifies access to information and supports the active participation of Ukrainian researchers in the European research ecosystem.
At the same time, conferences, workshops, and the development of the Ukrainian synchrotron radiation users’ community play a key role in shaping research priorities, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring that infrastructure development is aligned with the needs of its future users.
A shared European effort
Light for Ukraine demonstrates how coordinated European action can translate into a sustainable model of infrastructure development, combining strategic planning, shared investment, and community integration.
By linking infrastructure, people, and partnerships, the initiative contributes to strengthening the European Research Area while supporting the long-term development and integration of Ukraine’s research and innovation system.
