Do participants need to be in Ukraine for the entire program?

It is important that the research/project is conducted in Ukraine and that the team carries out their scientific work locally. However, team members may participate in international trips, internships, and similar activities.

How many teams will be selected?

Between 1 and 3 teams. The exact number will be determined during the selection process.

Are interdisciplinary projects allowed?

Yes, interdisciplinary research is welcome.

Is remote participation allowed?

Most participation formats are conducted online. Research can be carried out in any region of Ukraine; however, full or partial in-person participation of the team at the final presentation event in Kyiv is required.

Are there any requirements for budget allocation (salaries, equipment, services, publications)?

There is no fixed distribution of budget categories in the program. What matters most is that all expenses are well-justified and aligned with the needs of your research. For example, if purchasing reagents or equipment is critical for your project, this should be clearly reflected in the budget.
The only limitation is that administrative costs must not exceed 15% of the total project budget.
We also recommend not allocating funds for publication fees, as the program primarily focuses on research implementation. Selected teams will receive additional guidance and support regarding publication opportunities.

Is research experience during a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree considered?

We calculate research experience starting from the completion of a Master’s degree. However, your earlier experience (such as publications, participation in projects, internships, etc.) can and should be included in your application.

Can a team consist of two people—a female lead and one male member?

Yes, this team composition is eligible. The key requirement is that the team is women-led (headed by a woman) and that at least 50% of the team members are women.

Is it mandatory to follow the proposed project timeline template (June–November 2026)?

The program runs from June to November 2026, with final presentations taking place in December. Therefore, your work plan should cover this period.
You are welcome to adapt the stages, add more detail, or adjust the structure of the plan according to the specifics of your research.

Is having an academic degree required to participate?

No, an academic degree is not a mandatory requirement.
However, academic achievements (including publications, conference participation, research experience, etc.) are taken into account during the selection process. Therefore, holding a degree may be an advantage, but it is not a determining factor.

Are there any restrictions regarding previous collaboration with program partners or organizers?

Restrictions apply only to current employment. At the time of application, team members must not be employed by the program organizers (INSCIENCE, Tokarev Foundation, STEM is FEM, UN Women in Ukraine).
Previous collaboration, participation in programs, partnerships, or other affiliations do not disqualify applicants.

Who should submit the application?

The application can be submitted by any member of the team.

Do we need to provide CVs for all team members?

Yes, CVs of all team members must be included in the application.

How should taxes be accounted for in the budget?

Taxes should be included within the relevant budget line items—that is, added to the cost of goods or services.
Please note that the total grant amount (up to $10,000 / approx. UAH 425,000) is specified before taxes, so all taxes must be covered within this budget.
You can provide detailed breakdowns in the budget file attached to your application.

Do we need to open a separate account for the grant, and how should financial reporting be handled?

Yes, teams are required to open a separate bank account for receiving and managing grant funds. This ensures transparency and simplifies financial tracking.
All income and expenses related to the grant must be clearly traceable, identifiable, and available for review if needed.
The team is responsible for maintaining proper financial and accounting records. We recommend setting up a clear and convenient accounting system from the start to avoid difficulties during reporting.