The symposium was opened by the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Academician Anatoly Zagorodny. In his speech, he emphasized the need for effective use of state resources and the importance of objective assessment of the quality of scientific activity. He also emphasized the value of the experience of evaluating scientific institutions in Ukraine and international experience.
Representatives of Ukraine and other countries made welcoming speeches: the head of the Scientific Committee of the National Council of Ukraine on Science and Technology Oleksandra Antonyuk, as well as the presidents of the academies of sciences of Lithuania and Moldova. In particular, foreign delegates expressed support for Ukraine in the war and emphasized the importance of continuing scientific cooperation.
Participants and those who spoke. PDF
Representatives of the State Institution "Institute for the Study of Scientific and Technical Potential and the History of Science named after G.M. Dobrov NAS of Ukraine" spoke at the symposium. The Institute's employees made a significant contribution to the disclosure of the topic of evaluating scientific activity in the national and international context.
The Director of the Institute, Professor Borys Malitsky, in his thorough report drew attention to the theoretical and practical aspects of evaluating scientific results. He emphasized that qualitative evaluation is a key factor in the development of science, its impact on society and the formation of state policy. Particular attention was paid to the issue of proper financing of scientific institutions, which should be a strategic priority even in conditions of limited resources, especially during wartime. Borys Malitsky emphasized that scientific institutions play a crucial role in the development of innovations, ensuring economic stability and creating new opportunities for social progress.
Head of the Center for Innovation and Technological Development of the Institute Olena Vasilyeva highlighted the problems associated with the non-objectivity of assessment methodologies in international ratings of innovation activity. In her report, she analyzed in detail the controversial issues of compiling such ratings and noted that they often do not take into account the specifics of national scientific systems and cultures. Vasilyeva suggested ways to improve these approaches, which could contribute to a more objective reflection of the achievements of Ukrainian science in the international arena.
Professor Larisa Ryzhko in a joint report with senior researcher Oksana Zhivaga drew attention to the fact that the task of evaluation in modern science is not to promote the growth of science, that is, to multiply true and reject false knowledge, but to manage the scientific sphere as a branch of the economy. The methods used for this are mainly based on quantitative indicators that do not take into account the peculiarities of scientific knowledge and the complexity of research processes. The way out of this situation is seen in the implementation of open science practices, which have the potential to restore assessment at a new level, which would be based on essential aspects of the functioning of science. The measures taken in this direction in Ukraine are noted.
Senior Research Fellow Zakhar Popovych presented the results of a comprehensive forecasting and analytical study aimed at determining the priorities of scientific research in modern conditions. He emphasized that these areas are of particular importance in the context of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The study was conducted with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Germany) with the involvement of a wide range of experts. It outlines the most promising areas of science that can give a powerful impetus to the development of Ukraine in the context of global competition and integration into the European scientific space.
The participants of the symposium said that the evaluation of science should focus on the varied results of the activity, which facilitates the increasing thoroughness of research and its positive impact on society.
The speeches of the Institute representatives emphasized the systematic approach to assessing scientific results, the importance of adapting international practices to national conditions, as well as the need for more active involvement of science in solving strategic tasks of the state. Their reports became an important contribution to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of science as a tool for the country's recovery and development.
Participants emphasized the importance of innovation, the objectivity of international rankings, and the prioritization of scientific research, particularly for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. Supporting scientific potential was one of the key topics of discussion.
