TNESC develops interdisciplinary research around institutional resilience, wartime challenges, recovery and long-term human development.
Research architecture
The Wartime Ukraine Research Programme is organised around three strategic pillars: Institutions, Law & Recovery; Population, Demography & Human Capital; and Children, Families & Future Generations.
Institutions, Law & Recovery
This strategic pillar connects research on the rule of law, public administration, education and science, public finance, digital transformation, forensic science and bioethics with the institutional demands of wartime resilience and recovery.
Population, Demography & Human Capital
Policies for retaining people, supporting return and renewing human capital
The programme examines demographic change, migration, return, labour and human-capital recovery, including regional and cross-border demographic impacts.
Children, Families & Future Generations
This strategic pillar examines how war and displacement affect children’s rights and wellbeing, family life, legal identity, education, health, inclusion, return and durable reintegration.
Thematic research directions
TNESC’s research agenda addresses interconnected questions of law, institutions, education, the economy and human development. Ten research areas provide a shared foundation for interdisciplinary programmes, comparative studies and international academic cooperation. Cross-cutting themes include Ukraine’s resilience during war, the recovery of communities and institutions, and the protection of the rights and opportunities of present and future generations.
Law, Governance & Justice
This area addresses the evolution of the state and law, the rule of law, justice, public service, local government and corporate governance. Key questions concern how institutions can uphold legality and accountability during war and recovery, and which legal and organisational models strengthen community capacity and access to justice.
Education & Science in Wartime and Post-War Recovery
The focus is on continuity in education and research, university governance, science parks, academic mobility, digital learning and recognition of educational outcomes. Key questions concern how to sustain research teams and academic pathways during displacement, and how universities and research institutions can support community recovery and the return of skilled professionals.
Population, Demography, Migration & Human Capital
This area connects demographic change with migration, return and reintegration, employment and the renewal of human capital. Key questions concern the conditions shaping decisions to stay, return and form families, and how demographic scenarios can inform education, labour-market, housing, social and tax policies.
Children, Families & Future Generations
This cross-cutting area covers children’s rights and wellbeing, family environments, legal identity, education, health, inclusion and displacement. Key questions concern how institutions and countries can coordinate support for children, and which mechanisms sustain family relationships, continuity of services and opportunities for development.
Taxation, Social Policy & Economic Recovery
Research addresses financial and tax law, budget priorities, social guarantees, fiscal incentives, public procurement and recovery financing. Key questions concern how to combine sustainable public finances with support for communities, businesses and families, and how digital taxation and financial oversight affect efficiency, transparency and fairness.
Forensic Science, DNA Identification & Humanitarian Challenges
This area addresses the scientific and legal foundations of forensic examination, evidence assessment, automated expert systems, DNA identification and documentation of the humanitarian consequences of war. Key questions concern the quality, independence and appropriate use of forensic work, and how identification needs can be reconciled with families’ rights, personal-data protection and international cooperation.
Bioethics & Reproductive Technologies
The focus is on ethical, legal and institutional questions surrounding reproductive technologies, biomedical research, individual autonomy and the protection of vulnerable groups. Key questions concern informed consent, equitable access and responsible use of emerging technologies, and how scientific progress can be aligned with human dignity and the interests of future generations.
Public Health, Prevention & Rehabilitation
Research questions address public-health governance, prevention, access to care, rehabilitation and continuity of services during war and displacement. They concern how legal, financial and organisational barriers can be reduced, and how health, social and educational systems can coordinate support for children, families and affected communities.
Digital Transformation & AI
This area connects the digitalisation of public service, education, justice and finance with artificial intelligence, digital competence and rights in digital environments. Key questions concern accountability and the impact of automated decisions, and the legal and governance arrangements needed for accessibility, trust and responsible adoption of technology.
International Academic Cooperation
This area examines international academic partnerships, comparative legal and social research, coordination between institutions, academic mobility and the joint development of research programmes. Key questions concern how Ukrainian expertise can connect with international scholarly networks, and which arrangements sustain partnerships, knowledge exchange and the development of joint research initiatives.