Today, on October 23, Ivan Franko International Prize was presented at Ivan Franko Lviv National University.

As told at the presentation by Chairman of the Board of the Fund, Roland Franko, the purpose of the organization is to popularize and facilitate comprehensive study of creative, scientific, social activities of Ivan Franko and encourage scientists from around the world to conduct active humanitarian researches in the sphere of social sciences and Ukrainian studies.

“We have created the International Fund for popularization of Franko not only in Ukraine but also in the world. Next year we are going to accept research papers for consideration starting from February 1. In addition, 2016 is a jubilee anniversary: the 160^th anniversary of the birth and the 100^th anniversary of the death of Ivan Franko”, – said Roland Franko, the grandson of Ivan Yakovych.

The International Jury will be formed of domestic and foreign scientists who will choose the winners in two nominations – for significant personal contribution to the development of social sciences and for contribution to the development of Ukrainian studies.

Scientists from all over the world who work in the sphere of social sciences and Ukrainian studies may be eligible for winning Ivan Franko International Prize.

Vitalii Shevchenko, Member of the Board of the Fund, has outlined the need to raise the prestige of Ivan Franko`s name as creative work of the Great Kamenyar is the best multi-scientific heritage, which gives us the opportunity to represent Ukraine in the world in a different way.

Director of the Fund, Ihor Kurus, has assured that the Board of Directors works diligently to ensure a high level of competition and undoubted winner of the Prize. Therefore, all necessary procedures are public including the use of the best international practices. At the same time, the level of competition can be ensured not only by fair and transparent election, but also by the amount of the Prize, which will form its prestige. “We understand that the country is at war, and all of its resources are directed to survival, but even in such times we must not forget the ideals of the nation-building. Cognizing Franko means cognizing yourself, your past and your future. Ivan Franko is the best frontman for promoting a positive image of Ukraine in the world” – said the Director of the Fund.

In addition, Ihor Kurus has informed that the Prize fund is formed by charitable contributions of Ivan Franko`s scientific heritage supporters.

In turn, Member of the Board of the Fund, Doctor of Philology, Professor, vice-rector of Ivan Franko Lviv National University, Yaroslav Harasym, has pointed out that determining the best current researches in Ukrainian studies and social and human sciences, as well as awarding their authors with Ivan Franko International Prize shall fulfill the will of the great genius of the Ukrainian nation – “to serve the interests of native people and universal, gradual humane ideas.”

Ivan Franko International Fund is a non-governmental charitable organization. The Fund aims to support the development of Ukrainian studies and social sciences, promotion and popularization of scientific and creative heritage of Ivan Franko. The primary and the main objective of the Fund is establishment and implementation of Ivan Franko International Prize and promotion of its international recognition.

Ivan Franko International Prize is an honorary recognition of scientific discoveries, significant achievements and considerable services of scientists in the sphere of social sciences and Ukrainian studies.

The Prize was established by Ivan Franko International Fund, which was created in June 2015 at the initiative of the grandson of the Great Kamenyar – Roland Franko.

The Board of the Fund includes both Ukrainian and foreign scientists from London, Vienna, Munich, Warsaw and Siedlce.