NATO – Ukraine cooperation in the spheres of environmental protection and science began in 1991 and is carried out with the use of NATO «Partnership for Peace» program mechanism – «Science for Peace and Security» (SPS) program.
The program aims to promote cooperation between scientists from NATO member-states and partner countries and funding of scientific research in the field of security (in the form of grants for the implementation of multi-year projects, seminars, courses, workshops and scientists’ meetings).
A key mechanism for ensuring coordination and cooperation in the spheres of environmental protection and science is Joint NATO – Ukraine Working Group for Scientific and Environmental Cooperation that was formed in 2000. The meetings of the group are held once a year alternately in Brussels and in Kyiv.
During the 1998-2014, within NATO SPS program, 27 joint multi-year projects involving Ukrainian research institutions were implemented. Currently, at the stage of implementation there are 32 multi-year projects.
As of today, Ukraine is first among other partners for the number of research projects and the amount of their funding within the SPS program.
To receive a grant for the implementation of a research program within the SPS program, one must submit an application and present appropriate project proposal.
The pplications to receive grants have to be submitted directly, by filling the form for a multi-year project on NATO website (Multi-year research & development projects).
The proposal for a grant within the SPS program must include potential partner counties for project implementation, the approximate duration and the required sum for its implementation (including the expected subsidies). In addition, the project proposal must meet NATO priorities in the relevant area, namely, be aimed at strengthening Euro-Atlantic and international security, peace and stability through the use of best scientific and technological approaches to address the issues of concern of NATO and its partners.
Areas in which projects are being implemented in Ukraine within NATO SPS program: