Enhancing Ukrainian aerospace research Ukraine's National Aerospace University is strengthening its research capacity, visibility and integration into the European Research Area (ERA). Work to date has already resulted in extensive joint research and publications. Industrial Technologies © Thinkstock The Kharkiv Aviation Institute (KhAI) is the only university in Ukraine that is providing a full programme of higher education in aerospace science and engineering. It is a key research centre with strengths in composite materials, advanced manufacturing and dependable embedded systems. KhAI already has strong industrial ties in the region and participates in numerous national and international research projects with public and private partners. It is slated to be the Ukrainian National Contact Point (NCP) for Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) in aeronautics. The EU-funded project 'Integrating the National Aerospace University 'KhAI' into ERA' (KHAI-ERA) will help strengthen KhAIs research capacity. A major step in this direction would be twinning with four renowned European research and innovation organisations for knowledge exchange, joint experimentation and training. For this purpose, the consortium partners, the Ukrainian government, Airbus and the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), KhAI have joined forces. Within the first reporting period, European and Ukrainian researchers participated in three consortium meetings and 14 bilateral meetings. Joint experiments led to 12 scientific articles already published or in preparation. Through networking at conferences, workshops and brokerage events, KhAI partnered on eight proposals submitted to the 2013 FP7 call for proposals. Out of these, three proposals were founded on KhAI ideas. One of the projects commenced in June 2013. The consortium prepared three training modules for master's students, and young and experienced researchers that are available on the project website. In addition, the team collected and posted information for Ukrainian researchers interested in submitting proposals to the FP7 and Horizon 2020 calls. A team of independent European researchers evaluated KhAI and provided recommendations for increasing visibility, human potential and possibilities for integration in the ERA. The recommendations have provided the foundation for development of the Institute's research strategy for the next five years and beyond. KHAI-ERA activities will have important effects on innovation in the aerospace sector as well as the socioeconomic well-being of Ukraine. Enhanced competitiveness and more job opportunities are among the expected benefits.
