GREEN-ED educational project at USUST becomes a space for science, innovation, and career choice

The 2026 season of the educational project ‘GREEN-ED: Green Education of Dnipro’ at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies was finished with a spectacular chemistry show, dozens of laboratory experiments, hundreds of young researchers, and numerous discoveries. Over several months, the project united school students from Dnipro and researchers from USUST. The university laboratories and educational and research centres of the SEI ‘USUCT’ became a space where young learners could not only see modern science, but also engage with it directly through hands-on research, experiments, and work with professional equipment.
 
The project was launched at the beginning of the year as a joint initiative of USUST, the Department of Humanitarian Policy of Dnipro City Council, and the city’s general secondary education institutions. Its concept was developed during a strategic meeting attended by Professor Olha Sverdlikovska, director of the SEI ‘USUCT’,  Professor Marharyta Skyba, deputy executive secretary of the USUST Admissions Committee; Nataliia Sierikova, head of the Organisational Work Department of the General Secondary Education Division at the Department of Humanitarian Policy of Dnipro City Council; and Iryna Khomiak, director of Dnipro Gymnasium No. 141.

The cooperation was later formalised through the signing of a memorandum  between the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies and Dnipro Gymnasium No. 141.

Throughout the project, the participants worked at the leading departments and laboratories of the SEI ‘USUCT’ including the departments:
  • Inorganic Substances and Ecology;
  • Materials Science;
  • Energy;
  • Biotechnology and Life Safety;
  • Pharmacy, Chemistry and Technologies;
  • Fuel, Polymer and Printing Technologies;
  • Natural and Synthetic Polymers, Fats and Food Technologies;
  •  Innovative Engineering;
  • Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass and Biomedical Materials;
  • Processes, Equipment and General Chemical Technology;
  • as well as in Digital Manufacturing and 3D Printing Laboratories.
School students explored water purification technologies, renewable energy, biotechnology, pharmaceutical production, advanced polymer materials, digital manufacturing, additive technologies, and the principles of the circular economy.
 
The participants studied environmental indicators of water and soil, examined the properties of materials, worked with laboratory equipment, observed biodiesel production processes, and explored the practical applications of 3D printing and innovative engineering solutions.

The active involvement of the SEI ‘USUCT’ lecturers and researchers added particular value to the project. Leading professors, associate professors, and staff members contributed to classes, practical sessions, workshops, and scientific demonstrations. Their enthusiasm and dedication transformed each meeting from a career guidance event into an engaging immersion in the world of modern science.

An important outcome of GREEN-ED was the creation of an effective platform for cooperation between the university and the city’s secondary education institutions. The project demonstrated that strong laboratory facilities, modern equipment, and research developments of the the SEI ‘USUCT’ can serve as powerful tools for early career guidance and for inspiring young people’s interest in engineering, technology, and natural sciences.

The season culminated in a final meeting  on 20 May 2026, during which school students visited interactive science locations, took part in laboratory practical sessions and workshops, and became both spectators and active participants in a large-scale chemistry show. The most active young researchers received commemorative awards and branded university souvenirs.

The university community expresses its gratitude to all lecturers, staff members, school principals, class teachers, teachers, and partners who contributed to the implementation of the project, as well as to the school students of Dnipro for their curiosity, active participation, and desire to gain new knowledge.

USUST is always open to talented young people. Today’s participants of the GREEN-ED educational project may become tomorrow’s university students, researchers, engineers, technologists, environmental specialists, and professionals who will create innovations and shape Ukraine’s progressive future.