On 19 June 2025, SumDU became the venue for presenting results of state certification of scientific and technical activities among Ukrainian institutions.

The event was attended by Denys KURBATOV (deputy minister for education and science of Ukraine), Hryhorii MOZOLEVYCH (director general of the Directorate for Science Development), Iryna KRASOVSKA (deputy director of the Directorate for Innovation and Relations with the Real Economy Sector) and Heorhii VASYLIEV (consultant of the Education Ministry).

A round table was held on the topic “Support for Scientists from Frontline and Border Universities and Ukrainian Scientific Institutions”. It brought together over 500 participants in a mixed format. There were representatives of higher education institutions and scientific institutions from all regions of the country.

In his welcoming speech, Oleh HRYHOROV (head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration), emphasized importance of developing science and education as key factors in national recovery: “Despite all challenges, the Sumy Oblast has a great scientific potential. We believe in victory and understand that education and science are critical to reconstruction of the Sumy Oblast”.

The state certification covered two areas: “Social” and “Agricultural-Veterinary”. According to Denys KURBATOV, this year’s certification is being conducted via an updated methodology based on experience of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland. Over 300 universities and over 300 research institutions in Ukraine were assessed.

SumDU confirmed its position, once again entering the highest qualification group “A” in the Social Sciences field, as it did in the previous certification five years ago.

“This result is expected, as we see the dynamics of scientific development at the university, which ensures its leading position among Ukrainian institutions. In 2024, 22% of the total university funding (UAH 154.6 million) will be allocated to scientific activities,” – commented Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector).

According to him, within the first five months of 2025, the volume of funding for science at the university has already reached UAH 96.5 million. It gives reason to expect that last year’s figures will be exceeded.

Among important reforms in science, Denys KURBATOV separately noted the introduction of additional basic funding for higher education and scientific institutions that have demonstrated high performance based on certification results.

“Certification is a tool of state policy, a tool for decision-making, and the basis for the further development of institutions. For the first time, we are creating conditions where science funding relies on data and facts rather than historical preconditions or formal criteria. For Ukrainian science, this is a fundamental change: we are moving to a model of supporting strong and promising researchers,” – emphasized the deputy minister.

The second event part was opening of the second phase of the Center for Collective Use of Materials Science Equipment. New equipment – an X-ray diffractometer (Ministry of Education and Science grant “Reimbursement”) and a magneto-optical station (NATO grant “Science for Peace”) – will enhance the center’s research capabilities.

Guests familiarized themselves with the work of leading SumDU laboratories. They concern optoelectronics and solar energy, hydrodynamic drives and installations.

SumDU achievements in social sciences are results of systematic coordinated teamwork, professionalism of scientists, and effective management. We are sincerely grateful to researchers, teachers, and everyone who contributed to this result. We also congratulate Sumy National Agrarian University, which has entered the highest qualification group “A” in “Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences”. The joint achievements of the Sumy Oblast institutions demonstrate stability of Ukrainian science in the border region. The region’s powerful scientific potential and its significant role are critical in recovering and developing Ukraine.