On 28 January 2026, a staff conference was held at SumDU. The main issue was results of university activities in 2025 and definition of key tasks for 2026.

Summing up the past year, Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector) emphasized that despite the war and significant infrastructure losses, the university has remained stable and keeps developing.

“Our achievements in 2025 are overshadowed by reality – the destruction suffered by the university as a result of enemy attacks. But at the same time, it was a year of new achievements. Thanks to the resilience, unity, and dedication of the staff, we have once again demonstrated success and stability. The university will remain strong if we remain united and committed to our common cause”, – emphasized Vasyl KARPUSHA.

One of the key indicators of institution performance is its position in prestigious rankings. In most of them, SumDU is leading among Ukrainian universities.

The rector noted unique achievements in science. SumDU successfully passed state certification in terms of scientific activity and entered qualification Group A in five scientific areas at once: social, engineering and technology, natural sciences and mathematics, humanities and arts, and biomedicine. In terms of the number of Group A areas, SumDU ranked first among Ukrainian institutions.

The volume of funding for scientific activities in 2025 amounted to UAH 185.5 million, which is 20% more than in 2024, and the university is increasing this figure every year. 27 SumDU projects won the main competition for state research and development projects. It is the highest result among Ukrainian universities. SumDU also ranks first, along with the Ihor Sikorskyi Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, in terms of young scientists’ projects that received state funding.

International activities remain a strategically important area of development. In 2025, the university expanded its circle of partners, intensified cooperation within international alliances, and implemented joint projects. Vasyl KARPUSHA thanked the partners for systematic support of SumDU during difficult times.

There was implementation of the Higher Education, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development program, funded by the European Investment Bank. Currently, work has been completed on the thermal modernization of university buildings worth over UAH 91.6 million.

Vasyl KARPUSHA separately focused on recovery of infrastructure facilities that suffered significant damage in 2025. Restoration of Building 2 has been identified as a priority task. The design and estimate papers have been completed. The total funding requirement is UAH 49 million.

The rector placed particular emphasis on forming a contingent of students as the basis for university functioning. Results of the 2025 admission campaign showed a steady increase in distance and part-time forms of study. 40% of applicants are Ukrainian citizens who currently live abroad but have chosen SumDU to obtain higher education. The rector emphasized the potential for developing such education formats and expanding the list of educational programs. The educational process quality is evidenced by successful accreditation of 12 educational programs.

Achievements of students in extracurricular activities remain significant. Despite difficult times, the number of student athletes is growing. In 2025, they became prize-winners in 157 all-Ukrainian, 57 European, and 15 world competitions. They won medals at the World Winter and Summer Universiades, European Cups, and other international tournaments. The university’s creative teams also demonstrated high results in national and international competitions.

As Vasyl KARPUSHA noted, every achievement is a result of coordinated professional work of the entire team. The rector expressed his gratitude to all employees who care about university fate.

During the conference, participants approved implementation of the collective agreement between SumDU administration and trade unions for 2022-2025 and decided to extend it to 2026. The updated membership of the SumDU Academic Board was also approved.