On 29 August 2025, as part of a working trip to Sumy Oblast, the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Denys KURBATOV visited SumDU.

The visit began with inspection of the university campuses that suffered from a massive attack by Russian troops two weeks ago, including the scientific infrastructure. The most extensive damage was suffered by the N Building. Here, the Center for Collective Use of Scientific Equipment was located.

The official, who is in charge of science and innovation at the Ministry of Education and Science, inspected the premises where the Center was temporarily moved. The unique equipment was saved thanks to the coordinated efforts of the SumDU staff. He talked with scientists about resumption timing of work and current research. He also got acquainted with the progress of work on thermal modernization of buildings within the Higher Education of Ukraine project.

Denys KURBATOV expressed confidence that thanks to support of state, local authorities and international partners, the university will continue to actively develop:

“We, on behalf of the government, present a program to support frontline and border universities, as well as reforms and innovations that will stimulate science development. It is important for us to preserve people, retain personnel, and create conditions for young scientists to strengthen the stability of their regions, because this is the key to stability of the entire state. Buildings can be destroyed, but the SumDU staff will stand. I am convinced: the greatest treasure of the university is its staff. You are charged with success and future achievements”.

The Deputy Minister also took part in the August SumDU meeting of scientific and scientific-pedagogical workers. He presented state policy innovations in education and science, in particular the Program for Transformation of the Scientific Sphere.