When Science Becomes a Lifelong Calling: Celebrating Science Day 2026 at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and Honouring Nataliia Vdovenko as «Scientist of the Year»

«Science does not thrive in noise. It is born in the quiet of offices, under the light of a desk lamp long after midnight, in the precision of formulas, in doubt, and in the responsibility carried for every word and every conclusion. This is precisely why the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine values and honors its scientists. Not for the first time, yet for the first time through a special award ceremony – «NULES of Ukraine Scientist of the Year Award». These are individuals for whom research is not merely a profession, but a way of thinking, a form of public service, and a commitment to responsibility before the nation, before the younger generation, and before the era in which we live. In times of unprecedented challenges, it is especially important to recognize that Ukraine possesses not only strong Armed Forces, but also a powerful intellectual foundation. Scientists are the people who create, strengthen, and advance that intellectual capital».

These message was particularly emphasized by Rector Vadym Tkachuk as he congratulated the university community on the occasion of Science Day.

The University’s Social Sciences and Humanities research area brings together 462 researchers engaged in scholarly inquiry across the fields of economics, management, law, public administration, pedagogy, psychology, philosophy, history, international relations, and social communications. Among nearly 100 research projects, particular emphasis is placed on studies related to educational technologies, communication processes, European integration, and the post-war recovery of Ukraine.

The three leading researchers in this field were recognized as follows:

The First-Degree Diploma and Gold Medal were awarded to Nataliia Vdovenko, Head of the Department of Global Economics and Honoured Education Worker of Ukraine.

The Second-Degree Diploma and Silver Medal were awarded to Svitlana Amelina, Head of the Department of Foreign Philology and Translation.

The Third-Degree Diploma and Bronze Medal were awarded to Svitlana Melnychenko, Head of the Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Business.

The nominees are outstanding individuals whose professional careers, scholarly achievements, and significant contributions to the advancement of science deserve special recognition. Their work has had a profound impact, extending beyond Ukraine and earning recognition within the international scientific community.

Science Day 2026 at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine became a distinguished celebration of intellectual achievement, dedication, and scientific vocation. The occasion was marked by the ceremonial presentation of the prestigious «NULES of Ukraine Scientist of the Year Award» award. Among the honourees was Nataliia Vdovenko, whose many years of scholarly work, an established scientific school, and substantial contribution to the advancement of Ukrainian science have strengthened the reputation of the national academic community far beyond the borders of Ukraine.

We warmly congratulate Nataliia Vdovenko on being honoured with the prestigious «NULES of Ukraine Scientist of the Year» award. We wish her continued success in her scholarly pursuits, inexhaustible inspiration, gifted students, and new achievements in promoting the development of Ukrainian science, education, and international academic collaboration!