Final Report: CREST Center for Energy Efficient Technologies in Ukraine

The goal of CEET was to develop innovative solutions and new technologies to improve energy conservation and efficiency in Ukraine. CEET was equipped with new research equipment and materials, including a derivatograph, pore size analyzer, radiation source for the Mössbauer spectrometer, spectrophotometer, drying furnace, and electronic balance. The center trained 52 students on the new equipment and introduced 16 new courses. CEET also published 13 new textbooks and educational materials, initiated 36 new research projects, and published 43 articles in research journals, with 23 of them authored by young investigators as primary authors. CEET reported a significant number of new collaborations with Ukrainian collaborators, resulting in a large number of jointly authored publications. However, the center's interactions with international research groups yielded a disappointingly small number of jointly authored publications. Despite the lack of commercialization of the technologies developed within the grant period, CEET's research focus on energy efficiency is considered a notable achievement. The selection of CEET host university involved an open competition that included an extensive review and site visits to multiple Ukrainian universities. The selection process was coordinated with the Ministry of Ukraine for Education and Science (MESU). The ribbon-cutting ceremony for CEET was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Novotny, MESU Minister Maxim Strykha, CRDF Global Senior Vice President Eric Novotny, and Senior Technical Advisor Marilyn Pifer. CEET's record in establishing and benefiting from collaborations is mixed. The center reported a large number of new collaborations with Ukrainian collaborators, resulting in a significant number of jointly authored publications. However, the interactions with international research groups yielded a disappointingly small number of jointly authored publications. The selection of CEET host university was based on the existing U.S.-Ukrainian program "Cooperation in Research and Education in Science and Technology" (CREST). The program aimed to develop innovative solutions and new technologies to improve energy conservation and efficiency in Ukraine. The selection process involved an open competition that included an extensive review and site visits to multiple Ukrainian universities. The Cooperative Agreement #121-00-08-00703-00 between CRDF Global and PNU was signed on June 19, 2008. The agreement established CEET at PNU and provided funding for the center's activities. The agreement also included a requirement for CRDF Global to manage CEET's progress, which included monitoring the center's activities and providing technical assistance as needed. The Cooperative Agreement #121-00-08-00703-00 between CRDF Global and PNU was a key component of the CREST program. The agreement provided funding for CEET's activities and established the center as a key partner in the program. The agreement also included a requirement for CRDF Global to manage CEET's progress and provide technical assistance as needed.