USUST hosted the 1st All-Ukrainian Case Championship in Biomedical Materials Science

On April 28, 2026, the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies hosted the 1st All-Ukrainian Student Case Championship in Materials Science in Biomedical Engineering. The event introduced a new format of student competition adapted to the conditions of distance learning and brought together the participants from leading higher education institutions across Ukraine.
 
The championship was organized in cooperation with Pryazovskyi State Technical University, the State Biotechnological University, and the National University ‘Kyiv Aviation Institute’. Preparations included the development of the programme, case assignments, and assessment criteria, ensuring a meaningful and dynamic format for the competition.
 
The championship was opened by Prof. Oleksandr Zaichuk, Vice-Rector for Research and Academic Affairs at USUST; Prof. Olha Sverdlikovska, director of the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’; Oleksandr Azarkhov, Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PSTU; Olena Balalaieva, dean of the Faculty of Information Technology of PSTU; and Olena Savvova, head of the Department of Chemistry and Integrated Technologies of O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv.
In their welcoming remarks, they emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary training and the development of modern engineering competencies.
The jury included Oleksandr Azarkhov, Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PSTU; Oleksandr Monchenko, Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biomechatronics of the National University ‘Kyiv Aviation Institute’; Iryna Sili, Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering of PSTU; Volodymyr Shyhimaha, Professor at the Department of Electromechanics, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering of the State Biotechnological University; and Yana Koltsova, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass and Biomedical Materials of USUCT.
13 students majoring in 163 Biomedical Engineering, 161 Chemical Technologies and Engineering, and 132 Materials Science took part in the championship. The participants represented O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv, Pryazovskyi State Technical University, the State Biotechnological University, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, the State University ‘Kyiv Aviation Institute’, Dnipro University of Technology, and USUST.
 
Throughout the day, the participants completed tasks in various formats, from tests to the development of their own case solutions. The work was carried out in randomly formed teams via Zoom. Mentoring support was provided by Borys Yefremenko, head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at PSTU, and Associate Professors Oleksandr Kalinichenko, Oleksandr Sihunov, and Oleksandra Amelina, USUST.

The participants demonstrated a high level of preparation, defended their solutions with well-grounded arguments, and delivered high-quality presentations.

Based on the results of the championship, the winners were selected and participants were recognized in several nomination categories.
Diplomas in the nomination categories were awarded to:
  • ‘Biocompatibility guru’ – Anna Holovko, O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv;
  • ‘Eco-Innovator’ – Anastasiia Dotsenko, Dnipro University of Technology;
  • ‘Scientific Charisma’ – Bohdan Ovdiienko, Pryazovskyi State Technical University;
  • ‘Bold Experiment’– Valeriia Larchikova, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies;
  • ‘Biomechanical Architect’ – Oleksandr Voronchenko, State Biotechnological University;
  • ‘Master of Bioengineering Synthesis’ – Valeriia Andriiuk, Dnipro University of Technology.
Prize diplomas and gift certificates were awarded to:
  • Third degree diploma –Mariia Romanets, Dnipro University of Technology;
  • Third degree diploma – Vitalina Ochkivska, State University ‘Kyiv Aviation Institute’;
  • Second degree diploma – Marharyta Smielova, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies;
  • First degree diploma – Daryna Shmatko, Pryazovskyi State Technical University.
All participants received certificates indicating the topics covered and the programme learning outcomes achieved during the championship, making the event an element of non-formal education.
The event demonstrated the strong potential of biomedical materials science as an interdisciplinary field and the effectiveness of inter-university cooperation in training modern specialists. USUST continues to create opportunities for the development of student research, engineering thinking, and academic collaboration between universities.
 
More photos, electronic certificates, diplomas, and letters of appreciation are available via the link