I find your assessment of Ukraine’s science revolution over the past five years too gloomy (Nature 566, 162–163; 2019). In my view, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kiev makes a great contribution to the development of the country.

For example, the Coal Energy Technologies Institute of the National Academy of Sciences maintained Ukraine’s energy security throughout the period of armed confrontation in the east of the country, when supplies of anthracite from the region ceased. The institute developed technologies that enabled power stations to burn coal mixtures and bituminous coals instead.

As well as basic research, the institute collaborates on international energy projects with the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Commission and NATO. We have contracts with partners in Germany, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Japan, Denmark and Poland. The institute is currently a member of the European team implementing Horizon 2020 grants.

The National Emissions Reduction Plan for large combustion plants, developed by the institute, means that energy-production cuts can be postponed because emissions will still comply with European Union standards. All power-generating companies and the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry consider the projects carried out by the institute to be crucial for Ukraine’s independent energy supply.