On 31 January 2025, SumDU hosted a staff conference, during which rector Vasyl KARPUSHA presented results of university work in 2024 and the main tasks for 2025.

In his speech, the rector noted key university achievements in all major areas. The main marker of success is the position of SumDU in the rankings of respected agencies. For several years in a row, SumDU has been a leader among Ukrainian universities according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Moreover, SumDU has been included in five sectoral rankings at once: “Social Sciences”, “Business”, “Economics”, “Engineering”, “Physical Sciences”. For the first time in its history, the university was included in the Medicine and Healthcare sectoral ranking.  In each of them, SumDU ranks first among Ukrainian institutions.

Vasyl KARPUSHA called university development as one of the significant achievements of the past year. In 2024, funding for SumDU research reached 154 million hryvnias. This is the highest figure in the university history. International partnerships are actively developing. “I am very grateful to the international partners who provided financial support for about 100 million hryvnias. We bought software, funded research, provided scholarships”, – said the rector.

A landmark project of last year was implementation of a thermal modernization program funded by the European Investment Bank. Work has already begun on two buildings.  “We hope for successful implementation of this project. We also plan to develop further energy independence of the university: we are going to build our own solar station,” – outlined Vasyl KARPUSHA the priority goal of SumDU development.

One of the key issues is contingent formation, because the present and future of the university is shaped by students. The rector touched upon results of the 2024 admission campaign, noting successful recruitment of students.

A special emphasis is placed on extracurricular activities. Last year’s high sports and cultural achievements of the university testify to active development of student life. Students won first place at the winter and second place at the summer All-Ukrainian Universiades. They became prize-winners of many international competitions. This is due to university efforts to provide safe and well-equipped spaces for study, leisure and sports. Vasyl KARPUSHA paid attention to financial support of the university, which is stable thanks to systematic and well-coordinated work of the staff.

The rector argued that 2024 was a year of significant achievements, although it was marked by difficult wartime challenges. He thanked every employee of SumDU, as well as the Armed Forces of Ukraine, for an opportunity to work and achieve results today.

“The year was difficult, in particular because of the missile attack on a university building. At the same time, it was a year of growth. I would like to thank everyone who continues to develop the university and stays with it in the face of war. I wish everyone victory, optimism and resilience. The university will remain successful if we are united!” – concluded Vasyl KARPUSHA.