The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine supported the introduction of postdoctoral studies for scientists
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a draft law in general, which introduces postdoctoral studies in Ukraine as a separate stage of the academic career for young scientists. This was reported by the Ministry of Education and Science.
The document defines the concept of “postdoctoral” for the first time at the level of law and forms legal mechanisms for the development of the career trajectory of researchers after completing postgraduate studies. If previously postdoctoral programs mostly operated in institutions of the National Academy of Sciences, now this tool will be able to scale universities and scientific institutions of various forms of subordination.
The Ministry of Education and Science explains that the new stage will enable young scientists to deepen their specialization, develop their own research program, strengthen international competitiveness, and more actively integrate into scientific networks and inter-institutional cooperation.
“The law creates legal grounds for scaling this tool in universities and scientific institutions of various forms of subordination. After completing postgraduate studies, a young researcher gets the opportunity to continue his scientific activities in a structured format, which increases the stability of his academic career and reduces the risk of staff turnover,” the department notes.
The document also clarifies the powers of the Councils of Young Scientists and expands the areas of grant support, in particular for postgraduate, associate, doctoral, internship and residency programs. For the first time, the concept of “scientific supervisor of a scientific (scientific and technical) project” has been defined at the legislative level, as well as his powers and responsibilities have been outlined.
After the law comes into force, it is planned to update the rules for the functioning of the research infrastructure. This concerns the creation of its register, the possibility of forming consortia, expanding access to equipment and improving the mechanisms of state procurement for scientific and technical developments.
“Such a regulation will make it possible to increase the efficiency of state investments in science and optimal use of the capabilities of research infrastructure, expand researchers’ access to modern equipment regardless of the departmental subordination of institutions”, the Ministry of Education and Science is convinced.
The law was adopted with the aim of harmonizing national legislation with European Union law, taking into account the recommendations of the European Commission. Earlier, the President signed a law introducing uniform rules of academic integrity in education and science.
