Igor Sikorsky KPI experience in dual-use research presented internationally
An article by Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, entitled “Lessons from Kyiv on linking civilian and dual-use research”, has been published on the international analytical platform Research Professional News. The publication examines the experience of the Ukrainian university in linking civilian, dual-use and security-oriented research in the context of the full-scale war.
The article notes that following the Russian invasion in 2022, integrating different types of research became not only a matter of strategic planning for KPI but also an operational necessity. The university continued its educational activities, scientific research and international cooperation while simultaneously adapting its research ecosystem to new security conditions.
The author emphasises that at KPI the connection between civilian and security-relevant research operates at the level of individual projects rather than the institution as a whole. Basic research and educational activities remain fully open, while applied dual-use or security-oriented projects are implemented under specific procedures, including partner screening, non-disclosure agreements and controlled access to data and infrastructure.
The publication also discusses the experience of organising governance for mixed research portfolios that combine open science with projects operating under elevated security requirements. According to the author, such an approach not only preserves academic openness but also stimulates the development of applied innovation, technologies and start-ups.
Particular attention in the article is devoted to recommendations for shaping the future EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, FP10. These include creating complementary funding mechanisms for civilian and security-related research, designing proportionate safeguards at the project level, and involving universities of science and technology in the development of new programme instruments.
According to the author, KPI’s experience demonstrates that openness in science and security can effectively coexist, reinforcing both the innovation potential and the resilience of research and innovation ecosystems.
The full text of the article is available at:
https://www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-europe-views-of-europe-2026-3-lessons-from-kyiv-on-linking-civil-dual-use-and-defence-research/
