Ahead of the Lviv Academic Bridge 2026: Ukraine – U.S. Science & Education Forum, scheduled for June 11–12 at APP, we present an interview with Oleksandr Berezko, the forum coordinator and Associate Professor at the Department of Social Communications and Information Activities, the Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences. He coordinates a number of international initiatives in the fields of open science and quality assurance in research systems. He is also a former president of Eurodoc (the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers), where he gained extensive experience working at the pan-European level.
Ukrainian Week has become an important platform for consolidating the Ukrainian diaspora to advocate for Ukraine’s interests and assert its position in the United States. As Washington increasingly builds structured cooperation with countries through organized diaspora networks, such initiatives gain particular relevance. Thus numerous thematic events, including forums, are held within Ukrainian Week. Last year marked the launch of the first Education and Science Forum, organized by Kyiv-based scholar and public figure Olha Romanenko, which generated significant public resonance. Oleksandr Berezko participated online as an invited speaker; this year, he joined the event in person. Rector of APP Nataliia Shakhovska also contributed remotely, with hopes for her in-person participation in 2027.
― The key shift in Ukrainian–American scientific cooperation is the gradual transition from a recipient of aid to an equal co-creator. This is about building genuine subjectivity. Ukraine has much to offer the world, particularly its unique experience gained during crisis and wartime. Educational and research systems operating under such conditions generate knowledge that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Therefore, it is essential to develop mutually beneficial partnerships not only with the United States, but globally, emphasized Oleksandr Berezko.
He highlights that in today’s realities, intellectual capital is increasingly recognized as a pillar of national security. War is not only about military strength but also about the resilience of systems. High-quality research enables effective governance and evidence-based decision-making. The scientist notes that countries facing persistent security challenges, such as South Korea and Israel, invest more than 5–7% of GDP in science and education, demonstrating a clear understanding of their strategic importance.
― The United States is more willing to engage with Ukraine as an equal partner when we come not with requests, but with concrete proposals for joint initiatives. At the beginning of the full-scale war, there was little choice. Today, however, accumulated expertise allows cooperation to evolve into a mutually beneficial model. Ukrainian institutions, including APP, and our researchers have much to offer, he stressed.
To ensure long-term cooperation beyond political cycles, Berezko underscores the need for stable institutional mechanisms. These include the establishment of joint research centers, laboratories, grant programs, consortia, and shared publishing platforms. Even partial co-financing from the Ukrainian side, he notes, represents an important strategic investment. Equally crucial are strong interpersonal networks that can sustain collaboration regardless of political changes.
Addressing national priorities, Oleksandr Berezko identifies security as the fundamental condition for the functioning of the education system. At the same time, maintaining high educational standards and clearly defining strategic development goals remain essential. Any system becomes truly effective when it has a clear direction and a shared understanding of its future trajectory, he noted.
Discussing the prospects of returning or integrating Ukrainian scholars working abroad, Oleksandr Berezko acknowledges the complexity of the issue.
― There is currently no clear, universal solution. That is why it is essential to study the experience of countries that have successfully built cooperation with their diaspora and expatriate communities, particularly Ireland and China. We need balanced policies that unite Ukrainians rather than divide them. Ukrainian scientists are working across the globe, maintaining strong professional ties with their homeland. This should be viewed as a valuable resource for development, not as a loss. At the same time, it is important to recognize that such scholars are no longer formally employed by institutions like APP, yet this is not merely an institutional issue, but a systemic one. I would like to see the development of mechanisms for dual affiliation – sustainable cooperation between Ukrainian universities and researchers who, for various reasons, are currently working abroad. We need to identify common ground and create effective formats for collaboration, emphasized the scientist.
According to Oleksandr Berezko, one important initiative that deserves further development is the Ukrainian scientific diaspora network, supported by the Ministry of Education and Science, which aims to strengthen cooperation with researchers abroad. While complex challenges rarely have quick solutions, progress ultimately depends on political will and the commitment of individuals to advance these efforts.
― In the context of Ukraine’s post-war economic transformation, universities must play a leading role. Beyond their traditional function of educating future professionals, universities, especially technical ones, should become centers of development and drivers of new ideas, both technological and humanitarian, as well as their practical implementation, he added.
