Coalition partners discuss shelter network

At a recent meeting of the Supervisory Board of the international Civil Protection Shelter Coalition project, Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, reported about the current state of development of the university’s shelter infrastructure and emphasised the need for further building of versatile shelters.

During the event, next steps toward establishing a network of shelters across Ukraine were under discussion. The meeting brought together representatives from Ukraine and Finland. Ukraine was represented by the State Emergency Service, and key ministries including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Education and Science. Finland was represented by the Department for Rescue Services at the Ministry of the Interior.

In particular, the participants in the meeting were introduced to a modern shelter located at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, presented as an example of a new calibre of safe space for people during wartime.

The main purpose of the Coalition is to promote substantial international action for building civil protection shelters in line with the national strategic objectives of Ukraine, provide channel for international partners to contribute to financing the construction of civil protection shelters in Ukraine, and to share best practices in shelter construction.

 

Women in STEM

Kseniia Minakova, a promoter of STEM education in Ukraine and a professor at the Department of Micro- and Nanoelectronics at NTU «KhPI», took part in the all-Ukrainian Conference «Women in STEM: from dream to action». She made a presentation on the motivation of women in science. The scientist from Kharkiv Polytechnic spoke about her own experience of overcoming challenges, including during russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, and shared her secrets of moving towards a dream. Other topics discussed at the event included the connection between science and creativity, the importance of adaptability in modern science, effective career development strategies in STEM, emotion management, overcoming obstacles, etc. The conference brought together more than fifty representatives from different regions of Ukraine: students, young scientists, participants of the mentoring program «STEM Girls», leading experts and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Kseniia Minakova, Professor of Micro- and Nanoelectronics department at NTU «KhPI», made a presentation at the All-Ukrainian conference «Women in STEM: From Dream to Action». She spoke about her own path in science, her motivations in pursuit of her dream. The scientist emphasized the importance of understanding that there are no boundaries for women who want to act, either in life or in science, because the main thing is to have motivation and passion for the work. It is they who help to overcome all challenges and difficulties and confidently achieve their goals. As the head of the Interdepartmental Laboratory of Optics and Photonics of NTU «KhPI», Professor Kseniia Minakova told the forum participants about the restoration and development of this department of Kharkiv Polytechnic.

Leading scientists, heads of technology companies, teachers, and researchers shared their success stories. They discussed the connection between science and creativity; the importance of adaptability in modern science and decision-making under uncertainty; effective strategies for career development in STEM, emotional management, and overcoming challenges, etc. The conference brought together more than fifty representatives from different regions of Ukraine: students, young scientists, participants of the «Girls STEM» mentoring program, leading experts and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The forum has become a platform for sharing experiences, inspiration, and new acquaintances that contribute to the career and personal development of women in STEM.

As the conference participants noted, women today play a key role in the development of science and technology in Ukraine. Such events contribute to the formation of a strong community where young professionals can receive support, valuable advice and inspiration for further professional development.

Kseniia Minakova, professor at NTU «KhPI», expresses her gratitude to the forum organizers for the opportunity to be part of a wonderful community of STEM girls and share her experience, as the support and energy of each participant inspires her to move towards her dream. «I was glad to meet my like-minded people here who understand that true leadership is not only action, but also love for what you do!» the scientist said.

Note:

The All-Ukrainian Conference «Women in STEM: From Dream to Action» was held on 27March, 2025 in Kyiv. The forum was organized by the Center for CSR Development within the framework of the «Girls STEM» initiative with the support of the general partner company SAP.

«Girls STEM» is an initiative founded by the Center for CSR Development in 2016. It is aimed at overcoming gender stereotypes in choosing a profession and increasing girls’ belief in their own abilities and the opportunity to build a STEM career in Ukraine. The project brings together girls and women from all over Ukraine who are passionate about STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

 

The STEM acronym means «Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics». These areas are at the heart of this educational methodology. At the same time, these disciplines are not studied separately, as usual, but in a complex. The practical application of the knowledge gained is of great importance. The child not only learns about new directions in the development of exact sciences and engineering, but also learns to put what he or she has learned into practice.

 

KPI student conducts research at CERN

Viktoriia Tarasenko, a student of the Department of Electronic Devices and Systems at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, was selected to participate in a prestigious research programme at CERN – the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

From 3 February to 18 May 2025, Viktoriia Tarasenko has been involved in the project under the University of Michigan (USA) programme, taking a rare opportunity to pursue research at one of the world-famous laboratories. Specifically, the University of Michigan – CERN Research Experience for Undergraduates Programme (UM-CERN REU) provides undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct research with some of the world’s leading physicists at CERN in different research fields.

Not only does this remarkable research experience attest to the high calibre of instruction provided at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, but such collaborations give students new horizons of scientific pursuits.

Huawei confers special award on KPI

Recently, Huawei has marked a major milestone – 25 years of its operations in Ukraine. On this occasion, the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) received a special “Honorable educational partner” award from the company.

Kyiv Polytechnic has been cooperating with Huawei since 2016. Over this time, various projects to promote the priority development of higher education and science have been carried out. These include initiatives in information and communication technologies – such as the latest equipment, laboratories, and infrastructure – as well as dual education, internships, and employment of students, among others.

However, the partners are not resting on their laurels and have recently expanded cooperation even further.

For instance, Kyiv Polytechnic and Huawei Ukraine will undertake a joint initiative to standardize technical terminology and compile an ICT dictionary spanning more than 12 subjects related to telecommunications, artificial intelligence, smart cities, cybersecurity, virtual and augmented reality, and more. This initiative is related to a separate area of cooperation that will be useful for the development of Ukraine’s digital economy.

“Together, we will expand opportunities for research, share more practical experience, and support Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute in shaping the future of ICT in Ukraine,” said Tony Cao, CEO of Huawei Ukraine.

KPI signs MoC with charitable foundations

In a move to transform Ukraine’s medical landscape, the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) has signed a significant memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with the charitable foundations Genesis for Ukraine and KOLO. This partnership provides for the achievement of a common ambitious goal: to develop technologies in the field of biomedicine, prosthetics, and rehabilitation, as well as to apply the practical solutions that save and improve lives.

Through their cooperation, partners plan a plethora of promising initiatives and projects, including:

·        Implementation of innovations in biomedicine, biosafety and biosecurity;

·        Development of medical biotechnologies, diagnosis and treatment systems, and innovative medical devices;

·        Higher level of professional training and education within this sector;

·        Research in prosthetics and rehabilitation, and the improvement of service quality;

·        Certification of specialists, as well as of prosthetic materials and components;

·        Search for and support of startups and new products in the area of medical engineering;

·        Development and modernisation of the university clinic.

More importantly, this cooperation signals a strategic step forward in the evolution of high-tech medical engineering in Ukraine. By working together, the partners will contribute to the systematic transformation of the sector – where science, technology, and empathy meet at the forefront of human health.

Developing infrastructure for energy sustainability and digital education, together with partners

On 23 April, the Faculty of Electric Power Engineering and Automatics (FEPEA) at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute hosted a presentation of the new infrastructure solutions that strengthen university’s energy autonomy and digital capabilities.

The virtual energy systems modelling laboratory exemplifies successful cooperation with both international and Ukrainian partners. Owing to their support, a comprehensive educational digital environment for modelling complex energy systems has been created. Key contributions include:

• 15 MATLAB software licences granted by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute;

• 25 PowerFactory licences issued by the DMCC Engineering company; and

• 15 modern computers acquired at the expense of the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Development Fund.

The lab was established with the participation of the Swedish Institute within the framework of the international project Ukrainian Sustainable Energy Systems.

The Digital Power Lab has been fully equipped, thanks to Huawei Ukraine. Currently, it is capable of supplying electric power to FEPEA’s structural subdivisions during power outages, enabling the uninterrupted educational process.

The photovoltaic system of guaranteed power supply to the dean’s office and the FEPEA admissions committee was developed with the assistance of the Atmosfera company. This solution ensures the smooth operation of the faculty administration, which is essential during critical periods like examinations and the admission campaign.

 

Swedish special guests visit Kyiv Polytechnic’s library

The reputation of the Scientific and Technical Library named after Hryhorii Denysenko – Rector of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute from 1971 to 1987 – continues to expand, gaining increasing recognition not only in Ukraine but beyond its borders.

Recently, the Kyiv Polytechnic’s library hosted special guests from Sweden comprising Dr Lars Ilshammar, former Deputy Director of the National Library of Sweden; Thord Eriksson, Editor-in-Chief of Biblioteksbladet published by the Swedish Library Association; and photojournalist Åke Ericson.

They were gathering materials for a special issue of the Biblioteksbladet journal, dedicated to the activities of Ukrainian libraries during the war and the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

The guests were impressed by how quickly and efficiently the library adapted to difficult, unsafe conditions, proactively applying the cutting-edge technologies to render services to users, the unprecedented scale of the CLUST SPACE smart air raid shelter, as well as by a policy of library’s energy independence.

Kyiv Polytechnic librarians are proud that the resilience and great achievements of the Hryhorii Denysenko Scientific and Technical Library are already recognised in Sweden, and the article about it will reach Biblioteksbladet readers sometime soon.

Kyiv Polytechnic team takes first place in international cybersecurity competition

The DCUA team from the Technical Information Security laboratory at the Institute of Physics and Technology of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute took first place in the Hackfinity Battle CTF (Capture The Flag) 2025 – a large cybersecurity competition that brought together more than 4,300 teams and over 24,000 participants from around the world.

Kyiv Polytechnic’s victorious team included Dmytro Kryhin, Oleksii Bondarenko, David Shanidze, Volodymyr Duduladenko, and Yurii Prykhodko.

Teams solved practical cybersecurity challenges in diverse areas of knowledge that allowed participants to put their skills to test. Each challenge had one or more flags (a string of text) that served as proof of achieving the expected goal. Teams earned score points for captured flags.

The competition was held online via the TryHackMe (THM) platform. The DCUA team secured a $1,000 cash prize, while each team player also received Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), a 12-month THM subscription, a SAL1 Exam voucher, and other prizes.

In a digital age when Russia attempts to destabilise European countries with acts of terrorism, sabotage and cyber-attacks, the triumph of Kyiv Polytechnic’s DCUA team signals not only technical brilliance but also the rising talent of Ukraine’s next generation of cyber guardians.

Advancing sustainable funding for higher education

Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations, (pictured left) represented the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute at the meeting of CESAER’s Task Force Sustainable Funding, hosted by the Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) on March 26-27.

It is with great enthusiasm that he contributed to activities of this international association of leading specialised and comprehensive universities with a strong science and technology profile. Engaging in meaningful discussions about securing sustainable funding for higher education, and innovative financial strategies for universities is crucial to ensuring higher education’s resilience and global competitiveness.

Kyiv Polytechnic is committed to enhancing international collaboration, optimising funding mechanisms, and driving impactful projects. The insightful discussions at the meeting will undoubtedly strengthen university’s strategic international initiatives.

Special thanks are due to the CESAER team and WUT hosts for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation. The Kyiv Polytechnic’s International Collaboration Department eagerly anticipates further dialogue and the formation of new partnerships.

During his time in Poland, Andrii Shysholin also met with Ukrainian students studying at Polish universities, who have undertaken the “European Ukraine” initiative. This organisation works flat out to support, unite, and facilitate the social integration of Ukrainian students in Poland.

This meeting addressed key challenges faced by Ukrainian students abroad, including adaptation to the academic environment, career opportunities, preserving national identity, and fostering cooperation between universities in Ukraine and Poland. Participants in the meeting also outlined prospects for collaboration between “European Ukraine” and Kyiv Polytechnic’s student organisations. The Vice-Rector strongly believes that joining efforts will improve communication, advance new joint initiatives, and expand opportunities for students both in Ukraine and abroad.

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute remains open to cooperation and is committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the international development of Ukrainian youth.

Kyiv Polytechnic expands cooperation with Japanese partners

The Ukraine-Japan Center at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute recently welcomed important partners – representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the PADECO development consulting firm, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine – to discuss the development of vocational education in Ukraine.

Remarkably, JICA and the Ministry of Education and Science have chosen Kyiv Polytechnic to undertake this vital initiative, paving the way for prospective projects that will potentially span educational, research, and cultural spheres, including:

– Organization of Japanese language courses tailored for technical fields, awarding partial educational qualifications upon completion;

– Upskilling of engineers, and traineeships for staff of vocational colleges in heat pump maintenance, supported by Panasonic’s material and technical resources;

– Short courses and certification programs on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, business and management, combining the experience and expertise of Japanese colleagues and specialists at Kyiv Polytechnic’s Faculty of Management and Marketing;

– Introduction to the fundamentals of the tea ceremony and traditional Japanese cuisine, led by educators and partners of the Ukraine-Japan Center, including Chef Yoshihirio Fujiwara, a goodwill ambassador for the promotion of Japanese cuisine.

This collaboration signifies a meaningful step in bridging cultures, and equipping Ukraine’s workforce with invaluable expertise.