UCL backs UK–Ukraine ResearchBridge as new collaboration platform begins sector engagement
University College London (UCL) has outlined initial steps for advancing the UK–Ukraine ResearchBridge, following early activity shared on LinkedIn by senior staff involved in the program.
UCL Public Policy and the UCL Grand Challenges program are coordinating the ResearchBridge initiative, a platform designed to connect researchers, innovators, NGOs, companies, and government bodies across both countries.
The program sits within the Data Empowered Societies Grand Challenge and is delivered through UCL Innovation & Enterprise.
ResearchBridge moves into operational phase
The update came as Allison Littlejohn, Pro Vice Provost at UCL, took to LinkedIn to confirm that the project’s first steering committee meeting has taken place. She noted that the work is being supported by Danna Karayeva, ResearchBridge Manager, through UCL Grand Challenges.
The ResearchBridge aims to strengthen collaboration across areas identified in the UK and Ukraine Governments’ 100-Year Partnership Agreement. These include science, technology, innovation, and long-term economic development. For organizations considering involvement, UCL has opened an expression-of-interest route for academic, industry, and nonprofit teams seeking cross-border research support.
The platform brings together several thematic priorities. These range from EdTech, STEM learning, and knowledge development to data governance, sovereign AI research, and GovTech. Additional focus areas include judicial technology, climate-aligned reconstruction, sustainable agriculture, and MedTech. Each theme is structured to connect groups with compatible aims and help shape future funding opportunities.
Early information published by UCL outlines the intention to create durable partnerships rather than short-term project matching.
Building a cross-sector collaboration model
The ResearchBridge is designed for researchers at all career stages, alongside startups, SMEs, R&D teams, research managers, and intermediaries. UCL indicates that participants will help map capacity gaps, identify shared research interests, and shape future calls.
Karayeva’s role focuses on strengthening long-term collaboration mechanisms and connecting partners across sectors. Her background in operations, environmental policy, and systems-level analysis positions her to support the program’s emphasis on sustainable research networks and knowledge exchange. The project team also includes Martin Scott, Project Director, who concentrates on interdisciplinary partnerships aligned with UCL’s commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Littlejohn commented on LinkedIn that “UCL is supporting the UK-Ukraine ResearchBridge through our UCL Grand Challenges Data Empowered Societies with the amazing Danna Karayeva as the Research Bridge Manager. Today we had our first steering committee meeting to take this forward.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
