Roland Franko, the grandson of Ukrainian classic Ivan Franko, devoted his entire life to popularization of his grandfather’s creative legacy. Mister Roland is the last descendant bearing Franko surname in Ukraine; therefore, he does everything possible to reveal a truthful image of this spiritual colossus, apostle of truth and Great Kamenyar.

Being 84 years old Roland Franko is the Heard of the Board  of Ivan Franko International Fund founded at his initiative in 2015. Let us ask Mister Roland about the scope of activities of the Fund.

Ivan Franko International Fund was founded in 2015. Was it your initiative?

Yes. I`ve always wanted to create something in commemoration of my grandfather; something that will unveil his heritage to scientific and ideological successors not only in Ukraine but also throughout the world. Today, the primary goal of the Fund is Ivan Franko International Prize, which would help us learn more about Franko as well as draw attention to humanitaristics in Ukraine and the world.

There is a number of Franko prizes in Ukraine. Can you tell us about your International Prize and people who are awarded this Prize?

Ivan Franko International Prize is an annual non-governmental award with two nominations, namely, for significant achievements in the field of Ukrainian Studies and in the field of social and humanitarian sciences. Any researcher from any country of the world (having diplomatic relations with Ukraine) can become a laureate of the Prize. All academic institutions and higher education institutions may submit their research papers as well as the previous Prize laureates.

Why is Ivan Franko International Prize that important?

The Prize is a new phenomenon for the development of Ukrainian science and Ukraine in general. It is a kind of an elevator, which should pull Ukrainian science out of sovietization and academic corrupt practices. At the same time, the Prize uncloses Ukraine to scientists who are public opinion leaders in the West. Thus, the Prize should become a kind of “window to Ukraine” for humanitarians of the world. It is extremely important for the development of Ukraine especially now, under Russian aggression! We do everything possible to make Ivan Franko International Prize, alongside Nobel Prize, one of the most coveted awards for scientists!

Quite ambitious goal. Who supports you?

We rely upon charitable contribution on the part of the votaries of Franko and Ukrainian science. As of today, we are able to provide the inducement fund of 500,000 hryvnias. For example, Taras Shevchenko State Prize is only 190,000 hryvnias. However, we want to ensure non-prejudicial evaluation of research papers, strong competition and high cost of the Prize able to quicken interest of the world`s scientific elite. There`s a lot of heavy lifting left.

Who can make such contributions and how?

Anyone can make a contribution to the inducement fund. There is a bank account accumulating funds at the website of the Fund, www.frankoprize.com.ua.

The Laureate of the previous Ivan Franko International Prize is Lubomyr Husar, isn`t he?

Yes, His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar was announced the first winner last year for his monograph “Andrii Sheptytskyi Galician Metropolitan (1901-1944), a Forerunner of Ecumenism”. To my mind, we had a wonderful and peremptory laureate as well as a vigorous and genuine debate in Vienna. The most important thing is that the scientific world has finally started to acknowledge the Prize.

Acceptance of papers competing for Ivan Franko International Prize began on January 15, 2017 and will continue until March 1. How many papers have already been submitted?

Today, we have 10 research papers that will compete for the Prize. However, there is still some time left and we are always eager and ready to accept papers until March 1. If you are interested and willing to submit your research paper, please find more information on our website – www.frankoprize.com.ua.

Are you going to hold the jury session in Vienna again?

Yes, according to our calendar plan, there will be an international jury session in Vienna on June 23-25, where the laureates will be determined. On August 27, on the day of Ivan Franko`s birth, we look forward to welcome the winners who will be awarded with the Prize and a golden lapel pin of the laureate.

What other goals does Ivan Franko Fund set itself?

The Fund is a non-governmental organization, we cannot do plenty of things at once, but we can drive them forward. In addition to the Prize, our achievement in 2016 was the opening of the memorial flat of Ivan Franko family in Kyiv.

We do many things. Nevertheless, most attention is paid to the Prize. I want all Ukrainians to understand that Ivan Franko worked for their benefit all his life.