Making a difference through logistics: supporting research in Ukraine
Logistics with purpose

Making a difference through logistics: supporting research in Ukraine

When essential scientific equipment needs to reach researchers working under challenging conditions, reliable logistics can make a tangible difference. That's why AEB is a partner of RI.Logistica.

Author: Jens Verstaen
Jens Verstaen
26.08.2026

Supporting the development of nuclear medicine
Collaboration makes complex deliveries possible
Logistics as an enabler of research
Looking ahead

Making science possible 

Scientific progress depends not only on expertise and technology, but also on the ability to get essential equipment safely to where it is needed. This is particularly true when research institutions are operating under exceptionally challenging conditions.

AEB supported a joint initiative to transport advanced scientific equipment to V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University in Ukraine. The project brought together partners with complementary expertise: RI.Logistica, Marsh, 4PL Central Station, UMCG and MILabs. AEB contributed financially towards the shipment, helping to make the delivery possible.

The equipment has now arrived safely in Kharkiv and has been successfully unloaded.

Supporting the development of nuclear medicine

The delivery is part of a wider capacity-building initiative supported by a philanthropic grant awarded to UMCG and Karazin University. Its goal is to help establish sustainable nuclear medicine services in Ukraine.

Alongside the equipment, the programme includes training and research visits for ten Ukrainian professionals. The activities cover radiopharmaceutical production, scanner operation, data processing and first-line response procedures. This combination of equipment, knowledge transfer and practical training is designed to create a lasting basis for research and clinical application.

The team at Karazin University described the delivery as an important first step toward developing nuclear medicine in Ukraine:

“We truly feel this support here, and it is unbelievable given the conditions we are in now. This is the first step toward developing nuclear medicine in Ukraine, and we now have a team with ‘flaming eyes’ ready to move forward.”

UMCG and MILabs are also providing training and technical support to complement the equipment delivery and help ensure its long-term scientific and clinical impact.

Collaboration makes complex deliveries possible

Transporting sensitive scientific equipment requires careful coordination. In this project, each partner contributed a distinct capability:

  • UMCG provided scientific leadership, training activities and in-kind contributions from its staff.
  • MILabs contributed technical expertise and training support, and made the system available under favorable conditions for this initiative.
  • Marsh arranged tailored insurance for the sensitive equipment.
  • 4PL Central Station coordinated the transport process.
  • RI.Logistica supported the transport of the equipment to Ukraine.
  • AEB contributed financially towards the shipment.
  • The philanthropic funding organisation supported the equipment acquisition as well as the related training and research exchange programme.

The project illustrates how research institutions, logistics specialists, insurers and businesses can work together to enable scientific infrastructure where it is urgently needed.

Logistics as an enabler of research

For AEB, supporting this initiative means contributing to a project in which logistics enables more than the movement of goods. The shipment helps create the conditions for research, training and the future development of nuclear medicine services in Ukraine.

The delivery also underlines the importance of strong partnerships when complex, sensitive and time-critical shipments need to reach their destination reliably.

“We are proud to support this important initiative and to play a part in ensuring that critical research equipment reaches Ukraine. Our collaboration with RI.Logistica demonstrates what can be achieved when logistics expertise, digital technology and a shared commitment come together. By simplifying complex international requirements—from transport management and customs processes to trade compliance—we can help make a meaningful difference where it matters most”, explains Ted Roth, General Manager AEB Sweden.

Looking ahead

RI.Logistica and its partners are continuing their engagement in initiatives that support Ukrainian research institutions. Through the International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine and various Communities of Interest, they contribute logistics experience from donation deliveries and proof-of-concept projects.

The partners are also involved in developing a manual for donation setups and logistics processes together with organisations and communities including RIFF, Ukrainian–European Science Diplomacy, STCU and UNICEF. The aim is to establish more flexible frameworks that can support a range of institutions, recipients and donation scenarios.

This delivery to Kharkiv demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations combine their expertise and resources in support of a shared objective: ensuring that research, knowledge and vital infrastructure can continue to reach the people who need them.

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