Science Day at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine for Talented Youth of the Fund of the President of Ukraine

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Science in Action: Talented Youth of the Fund of the President of Ukraine Explore Laboratories at National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Nominees of the “Noosphere Breakthrough” category of the Second National Forum of Talented Youth spent an exclusive day at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. Instead of traditional lectures, the university offered young chemists, biologists, and geographers a hands-on science experience with direct access to laboratories and research facilities.

The Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science, and Sports continues its series of special visits for Forum nominees. Following a visit to the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre for participants in the “Power of the Word” category and a visit to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine for the “Science of Victory” and “Code of the Future” categories, participants of the “Noosphere Breakthrough” track explored the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.

This category brings together young Ukrainians with achievements in biology, chemistry, and geography. The university designed a programme that showcased natural sciences through practice: laboratory work, experimental sites, microscopy, aquaculture, veterinary anatomy, beekeeping, equine studies, entomology, the botanical garden, and a meeting with a participant of polar expeditions to the Ukrainian Antarctic Akademik Vernadsky Station.

The visit began with an introduction to modern education, study opportunities, and student life at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. Participants were welcomed by Olena Hlazunova, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Digital Transformation. Serhii Kovalevskyi, Head of the Career Development Centre, presented the university’s academic programmes, practical training opportunities, international mobility options, dual degrees, as well as sports, cultural life, and student governance.

Participants then visited the teaching and research beekeeping laboratory and apiary, where they explored modern approaches to managing bee colonies, learned about the ecological importance of beekeeping, and even received honey as a gift.

The next stop was the equine studies laboratory, where experts introduced participants to animal care, biological characteristics of horses, and hands-on student training in the field.

At the Faculty of Animal Science and Aquatic Bioresources, nominees explored aquaculture facilities, research equipment, experimental pools, and modern systems for cultivating aquatic organisms. This part of the programme demonstrated how biology, chemistry, and environmental science are applied in real research and production contexts.

A dedicated session focused on veterinary medicine. At the Museum of Animal Anatomy, participants examined anatomical specimens, skeletons, and organs of animals and humans. They also visited the “Fauna of the World” anatomy museum, which features taxidermy exhibits of wild animals.

At the Faculty of Plant Protection, Biotechnology and Ecology, participants engaged with the entomology and agrozoology laboratory-museum. They worked with microscopes, observed live cultures and parasitic insects, and even held a stick insect in their hands – discovering a microscopic world rarely visible without scientific tools.

One of the highlights of the programme was a meeting with Oleksandr Salhanskyi, a lecturer at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and participant in three polar expeditions to Akademik Vernadsky Station. He shared insights into how scientists join polar missions, what daily life at the station is like, and the role Ukrainian researchers play in global science.

The day concluded with an ornithological trail and a tour of the university’s botanical garden. After an intensive programme of labs and museums, this provided space for informal interaction, reflection, and immersion in the university environment.

For the Fund of the President of Ukraine, it is essential that top-performing school and university students gain direct exposure to the infrastructure of Ukrainian institutions. Access to hands-on science, a live professional environment, and meaningful exchange of experience are key factors in encouraging young people to choose Ukraine as a place to study, work, and implement their projects. Retaining human capital requires concrete actions, and opening access to such educational environments is one of them.

Throughout 2026, the Fund will continue its programme of opportunities for Forum nominees. Upcoming experiences include a visit to the White Elephant Observatory on Mount Pip Ivan, a training session with a star athlete, and a formal dinner with Count Razumovskyi at a palace in Baturyn.

The Fund expresses its gratitude to the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Vice-Rector Olena Hlazunova, Head of the Career Development Centre Serhii Kovalevskyi, leading specialist Viktor Shevchuk, Oleksandr Salhanskyi, as well as all faculties, departments, laboratories, museums, and the university team for their engaging programme and openness to talented youth.

Special thanks to all participants of the visit: Oleksandr Porovskyi, Olha Horodyska, Danylo Bodnia, Nadiia Krupnikova, Tetiana Soltys, and Lina Petrenko, as well as all nominees of the “Noosphere Breakthrough” category and partners.