On December 10, 2025, an open event was held in Kyiv for representatives of civil society organizations, think tanks, and anyone interested in evidence-based policy.

The speakers were:

  • Alina Khelashvili, Head of Research and Analytics at Cedos.
  • Maria Kudelia, Senior Manager and Analyst at the Veteran Hub.
  • Maria Sokolova, researcher at the Centre for Sociology of Law and Criminology, member of the trade union movement.
  • Lyudmila Fursova, Advocacy Manager at Fight For Right.

The event was moderated by Anastasia Bobrova, Director of the independent analytical centre and urban bureau Cedos.

Why do we research to change policies? Because we believe that the way things are now should not be the way they are. Our approach and values are based on the idea that any policy should work for the people it is aimed at. It should take into account their needs and their experiences.

Alina Khelashvili, Head of Research and Analytics at Cedos.

During the discussion, participants debated the importance of making informed decisions and the limitations of the evidence-based approach. Additionally, they discussed the sources of research and the motivation for conducting it. The speakers’ experience allowed for a deeper dive into niche topics related to the experiences of veterans and their families, as well as deinstitutionalisation.

Our fundamental research arose from the understanding that we lack this knowledge; we lack an understanding of how veterans return to civilian life, what stages they go through, and what their needs are.

Maria Kudelia, Senior Manager and Analyst at the Veteran Hub.

At the end of the discussion, the audience had time to ask the speakers questions. This allowed for a deeper discussion of the topic of research advocacy.

Policy change is always about some kind of discussion, about discourse.

Maria Sokolova, researcher at the Centre for Sociology of Law and Criminology, member of the trade union movement.

It is a challenge for us to ensure that our research does not end up in a drawer or on a website, but becomes the basis for change in the country.

Lyudmila Fursova, Advocacy Manager at Fight For Right.

Afterwards, participants joined in networking and sharing their impressions.

The event took place as part of the Evidence-based Recovery and Cohesion Lab project, which is being implemented with the financial support of the Matra Programme of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.