For two days, the II (regional) stage of the All-Ukrainian competition-defence of scientific and research works of students-members of the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was held within the walls of the university – an important educational event for young scientists of our region. This is one of the key stages of the work of the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine – a creative platform for schoolchildren who seek to implement their scientific projects and present the results of their own research to a wide range of experts.
The jury included experienced scientists from Carpathian University. Over 200 young researchers – university students in grades 8-11 from all over the Ivano-Frankivsk region took part in the event. Vice-Rector Eduard Lapkovsky addressed the participants with a welcoming speech on behalf of the university rector, Valentyna Yakubiv.
Director of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Branch of the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Nadiya Derevyanko, noted the high level of student training, their interest in scientific research, and their desire for development.
The schoolchildren were greeted by the director of the university’s professional career centre, Halyna Voloshchuk, who emphasised the importance of the Academy of Sciences as a platform for the self-realisation of young researchers, and wished the participants inspiration, perseverance, and a worthy presentation of their scientific achievements. She emphasised that participation in the competition is an essential step towards professional development and opens new opportunities for talented youth, including the chance to enter Carpathian University and receive scholarships from charitable foundations.
Director of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Branch of the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Nadiya Derevyanko, addressed the jury members and thanked the scientists and teachers for their responsible and critical mission – objective evaluation of students’ scientific works and support for talented youth.
Head of the Stakeholder Engagement Department, Tetyana Mykytyn, emphasised that it is the professionalism, principledness, and at the same time benevolence of the jury that create an atmosphere of trust and justice, which is necessary for the development of young researchers.
The event took place with the support of the president of the Ivano-Frankivsk regional branch of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the chairman of the Academic Council of the university, Ihor Tsependa.
An essential component of the successful holding of the event was the university’s active engagement with the general secondary education system.
Carpathian University ensured a high level of organisation and scientific-methodological rigour in the competition by involving leading teachers and scientists from various fields as jurors.
Such cooperation creates an effective bridge between the school and the higher education institution, contributing to the continuity of the educational process. For the university, participation in the defence competition is not only an honourable mission but also a strategic step in shaping the future academic environment.
It is here that young researchers gain their first experience of scientific discussion, become familiar with the university atmosphere, and discover prospects for further study and professional development. For many participants, this event becomes an essential stage in professional self-determination.
The interaction between Carpathian University and the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is an effective partnership aimed at supporting gifted youth. Such initiatives help develop a new generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders who will advance the country’s scientific potential.
The holding of the second stage of the competition-defence at the university once again confirmed: a modern higher education institution is not only a space for acquiring knowledge, but also an active participant in educational changes, a centre of science, partnership, and opportunities for youth. We congratulate the winners and their mentors and wish them a worthy presentation at the all-Ukrainian stage.
