The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Academician Anatoliy Zahorodniy, answered questions from the newspaper "Svit," discussing the Academy's work under the conditions of full-scale war, key priorities of the new term, expectations for 2026, and the role of science in the post-war recovery of the state.
In the conversation, the head of the NAS of Ukraine emphasized that the final months of the fourth year of the war became a period of complex challenges for the scientific sphere – from security risks and energy problems to financial constraints and personnel losses. At the same time, the Academy maintained its pace of work and continued research focused on defense, energy, critical infrastructure, medicine, and materials science. According to Anatoliy Zahorodniy, these results are not always visible externally, but they form the intellectual foundation of the country's resilience.
The President of the Academy stressed that the beginning of 2026 is proceeding in a working rhythm with a clear focus on priorities: ensuring funding for scientific institutions, preserving teams, planning research in strategically important areas, and developing defense projects. Special attention is given to strengthening coordination within the Academy, supporting young scientists, and expanding international cooperation.
The interview also touched on the transformation of the role of science during the war. In Anatoliy Zahorodniy's opinion, the Academy has already changed – it has become more integrated into the real needs of the state, and the importance of applied research has increased. At the same time, fundamental science remains the key intellectual basis for long-term development.
Outlining his own priorities, the President of the NAS of Ukraine emphasized that his main goal is to transform the Academy into a powerful intellectual engine of the state, capable of ensuring the implementation of scientific developments in the fields of defense, energy, medicine, and new materials. He named the creation of real opportunities for young researchers and the preservation of the country's intellectual potential as important tasks.
The full version of the interview was published in the newspaper "Svit."