In April 2026, Masaryk University in Brno hosted Ukrainian research and policy leaders for the RIFF Study Visits, offering an intensive 5-day programme focused on the development and management of research infrastructures.
During the week of 20 to 24 April 2026, we had the great pleasure of welcoming our Ukrainian colleagues to Brno for the RIFF Study Visits event. The programme brought together representatives of leading Ukrainian institutions for an intensive week of exchange, learning, and inspiration focused on research infrastructures (RIs).
RIFF is built around three main objectives: (1) Developing the RI Roadmap, (2) Creating an RI community in Ukraine and (3) Promotion of the RI Roadmap. These study visits were organised to fulfil the second objective: supporting the development of a research infrastructure community in Ukraine through capacity building and training.
Within RIFF, we recognise that building a well-functioning RI system is a complex and long-term process. For this reason, the target group for the Brno study visits consisted of selected Ukrainian policy-makers and institutional leaders, as their involvement is essential in shaping the future RI system in Ukraine.
The aim of the programme was to provide the participants with first-hand insight into how leading European Union (EU) RIs are organised, governed, financed, and strategically developed, as well as how they cooperate with their host institutions.
Through an intensive on-site programme, participants gained practical knowledge, valuable contacts, and inspiration that can contribute to the future design, construction, and operation of research infrastructures in Ukraine.
In total, 14 representatives from major Ukrainian institutions took part in a busy 5-day programme.
The programme opened with a welcome by the Rector of Masaryk University, who shared the university’s experience in strategic research development and institutional management.
Later that day, participants visited several research infrastructures at the university campus, where they engaged with senior representatives and explored governance models and operational practices. The programme featured, among others, the Centre of Excellence CREATIC, RECETOX, and CEITEC MU core facilities.
The second day focused on environmental sciences through a visit to CzechGlobe, the Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
Participants were introduced to a wide range of international research initiatives and infrastructures in which CzechGlobe is involved, including:
In the afternoon, they visited CEITEC Nano, where they had the opportunity to see the cleanroom facilities and learn about their semiconductor initiatives.
Wednesday was dedicated to social sciences and humanities. Representatives from the Faculty of Social Studies, Faculty of Arts, and Faculty of Economics and Administration introduced their respective research infrastructures:
This session highlighted the important role of RIs beyond the natural and technical sciences.
On Thursday, participants travelled to Prague to explore the broader national and EU policy perspective.
They visited the Technology Centre Prague and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic. The day concluded with a presentation by Jan Hrušák, Member of the ESFRI Executive Board and Envoy for Research Infrastructures at the Ministry, who shared insights into the development of research infrastructures at both Czech and EU levels.
The final day of the programme was dedicated to a visit to ELI ERIC, one of Europe’s flagship RIs and a globally recognised centre of excellence in laser science and advanced technologies.
We were deeply impressed by the proactivity, enthusiasm, and strong interest shown by our Ukrainian visitors throughout the week. We hope the study visits provided valuable inspiration and practical benefits for their future efforts.
Now, we proudly pass the baton to SOLARIS, as the next RIFF study visit will take place in July in Kraków.
The RIFF Thematic Summit on Health & Food, Environment, and Data, Computing & Digital Research Infrastructures was a two-day event organised by Masaryk University in Brno on 15–16 June 2026.
The RIFF project will financially support up to 4 high-profile candidates to participate in the Executive Master in Management of Research Infrastructures programme, delivered by the University of Milano-Bicocca.