USUST among the leaders of Ukrainian science: results of 2025

The year 2025 became a period of significant scientific achievements, applied developments, and international recognition for the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies. The key accomplishments, research funding, support for young scientists, and strategic priorities for the development of science are presented by the Vice-Rector for Research, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Yurii Proidak.

Центр культури, мистецтва та медіа зв’язків з громадськістю

What was the role of science in the life of the university in 2025?

I would describe it in one word – significant. Last year, 36 research and scientific-technical projects were implemented at USUST. It is also important to note that five out of six projects funded by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine in the Dnipropetrovsk region are being carried out at our university.

In addition, in 2025 our inventors received 50 patents, enabling USUST to confidently maintain its position among the top ten leading engineering and technical universities in Ukraine.

USUST consistently ranks among the leaders in terms of research funding. What makes this possible?

USUST consistently ranks among the leaders in terms of research funding. What makes this possible?
In terms of research financing, the university holds 7th place in Ukraine and is the regional leader in basic research funding. The total amount of funds attracted for research in 2025 from all sources, including industrial enterprises, reached UAH 74 million.

A key factor behind this success is a well-chosen research strategy,  high quality of project proposals, and systematic work with diverse funding sources – from the National Research Foundation of Ukraine to European programs. We  develop interdisciplinary research teams, and this approach brings  tangible results.

Центр культури, мистецтва та медіа зв’язків з громадськістю

Which developments had the greatest applied impact, particularly for strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities?

In 2025, the university completed four projects in the competition ‘Science for Strengthening Ukraine’s Defense Capabilities’  with one additional project currently underway. For security reasons, specific details cannot be disclosed. However, the projects focus on practical engineering and materials science solutions with dual-use applications. This is how we see the role of university research in wartime – as a practical instrument for providing real support to the state.

Which scientific achievements were the most outstanding in 2025?

One of the most notable highlights was the participation of the USUST team “PRO-YVON” in the international Global GreenChem Hackathon 2025 in Kyiv, held in the framework of Sikorsky Challenge and the UNIDO project.  Our researchers won second place among 11 teams from leading Ukrainian universities with a project focused on a biodegradable biocomposite made from plant-based waste. This achievement clearly demonstrates how university science contributes to the development of green technologies and responds to contemporary industrial challenges.

Центр культури, мистецтва та медіа зв’язків з громадськістю

How does the university support young researchers and develop its research infrastructure?

Through active participation in competitions and international projects, we have significantly increased investment in our laboratory facilities. Within the framework of the World Bank UIHERP project, USUST is demonstrating the highest pace of laboratory modernization among the ten participating universities. The total value of the newly acquired equipment exceeds UAH 57 million, and the upgrades cover four key areas: chemical, transport, metallurgical, and civil engineering.
 
I would also like to highlight the achievements of young scientists. Margarita Skyba, Professor at USUST, became a laureate of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Prize for Young Scientists in 2025 for her research in the field of green nanosystems, and was also named among the top three winners of the prestigious L’Oréal–UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ award.
 

How well is USUST integrated into the international research community?

The university has already implemented 46 international projects in cooperation with more than 150 partners. Through academic mobility programs, 110 faculty members have enhanced their qualifications abroad, while five PhD students and doctoral candidates, as well as 20 students, have studied at universities in Europe.

USUST also hosts a National Contact Point of the EU research programme Horizon Europe in the area of Climate, Energy and Mobility, which is the only one of its kind in the region. We continue to actively expand international partnerships and join new research consortia.

Центр культури, мистецтва та медіа зв’язків з громадськістю

How are the university’s scientific achievements recognized at the national level?

During a recent visit to the university, Academician Anatolii Bulat of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine highlighted the strong performance of our research community and the university’s efforts in promoting science.
 
In addition, the Director of the SEI ‘PSACEA’, Professor Vladyslav Danishevskyi, has been elected to the National Committee of Ukraine for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. Many of our researchers have also received awards from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, which confirms the nationwide significance of USUST scientific achievements.

What is the main conclusion of the scientific year for the university?

The year 2025 clearly demonstrated that science at USUST is not only a set of figures in reports, but also a dynamic process delivering real outcomes, international recognition, and tangible benefits for the country. This is precisely what motivates us to continue moving forward.