DONETSK INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING NAMED AFTER O.O. GALKIN OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCESS OF UKRAINE

Their core work

The Galkin Institute is a physics and engineering research centre of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, specializing in condensed matter physics, spin wave dynamics (magnonics), and advanced materials science. Their H2020 work concentrates on two applied tracks: converting ambient humidity into electricity through adsorption-based systems, and developing nanomaterial solutions for indoor air quality. Originally based in Donetsk and relocated to Kyiv due to the conflict, the institute maintains active international research mobility through MSCA-RISE staff exchange programs.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015-2016), the institute pursued a broader portfolio spanning fundamental spin wave physics (MagIC), humidity energy harvesting (HUNTER), and nanomaterials for air quality (NANOGUARD2AR). By the later period, their focus narrowed and deepened around humidity-to-electricity conversion with the SSHARE project (2019-2023), which evolved the earlier HUNTER concept toward net-zero energy radiant adsorption systems. This suggests a deliberate shift from exploratory physics toward applied energy harvesting with clear sustainability goals.

The institute is consolidating around self-sufficient energy systems that harvest electricity from humidity — a niche but growing field with applications in off-grid sensors, buildings, and IoT devices.

How they like to work

The institute exclusively participates as a partner or third party — never as coordinator — which is typical for Ukrainian research organizations in H2020 where coordination is usually handled by EU member state partners. All four projects used the MSCA-RISE scheme, meaning their collaboration model is built around researcher mobility and staff exchanges rather than equipment-heavy infrastructure work. With 35 unique consortium partners across 13 countries from just 4 projects, they integrate into large, geographically diverse consortia and appear comfortable working across many institutional cultures.

Despite only four projects, the institute has built a surprisingly broad network of 35 partners across 13 countries, reflecting the large consortium sizes typical of MSCA-RISE actions. Their partnerships span a wide European and likely global geography through researcher exchange programs.

What sets them apart

The Galkin Institute brings deep Ukrainian condensed matter physics expertise to European consortia — a tradition rooted in the strong Soviet-era physics school now integrated into EU research frameworks. Their specific niche in humidity-to-electricity conversion (HUNTER → SSHARE progression) is unusual and represents genuine specialization that few European labs offer. For consortium builders, they provide experienced MSCA-RISE participants with a proven track record of completing mobility-based projects despite operating under extremely difficult conditions due to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SSHARE
  Represents the evolution of their humidity-to-electricity research toward net-zero energy systems, and is their most recent project extending to 2023.
• NANOGUARD2AR
  Their largest single EC contribution (EUR 216,000) applying nanomaterials expertise to the practical problem of indoor air quality.