In order to activate the research activities of higher education applicants, popularize student science and support innovative initiatives, a competition for the best scientific circle (problem group) was held at Ushynsky University in May 2026. The competition was organized in accordance with the Regulations on the Student Scientific Circle (Problem Group) of the State Institution "South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky", approved by the decision of the Academic Board of the University (Minutes No. 8 of March 24, 2022) and the order of the rector No. 140 of May 11, 2026.
Composition of the competition commission
The competition commission for the competition for the best scientific circle (problem group) in the 2025/2026 academic year included:
- Muzychenko Hanna Vyacheslavivna - Vice-Rector for Scientific Work, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor (Chairman of the Competition Commission);
- Lystopad Oleksii Anatoliiovych – Head of the Department of Preschool Pedagogy, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor (Secretary of the Competition Commission);
- Kerdivar Natalya Ivanivna – Head of the Educational and Research Service, Associate Professor of the Department of Ukrainian and Foreign Literatures, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor;
- Belitchenko Dmytro Mykolayovych – Leading Specialist of the Educational and Research Service, Chairman of the Council of Young Scientists, Doctor of Philosophy;
- Radeva Yevheniya Olehivna – Chairman of the Scientific Society of Students, Postgraduate Students, Doctoral Students and Young Scientists;
- Rachynsky Vyacheslav-Elister Oleksandrovych – Chairman of the Student Council of Ushynsky University.
The competition for the best scientific circle (problem group) at Ushynsky University was held in two stages, which ensured the objectivity of the assessment, the involvement of a wide range of participants and the presentation of the best student scientific initiatives.
Stage I (nomination) lasted from May 15 to 18, 2026. At this stage, the leaders of student scientific circles and problem groups submitted presentation materials to the competition committee on the results of their work for the current academic year. The materials included: presentations of the circle activities, photo and video materials, information about participants and leaders, results of scientific and research work, participation in conferences, competitions, publications, implemented projects, implementations, awards and other achievements.
The assessment of stage I was carried out according to the criteria of scientific activity, practical significance, innovation, organization of the circle's work, popularization of science and cooperation and partnership.
Stage II (presentation) took place from May 19 to 25, 2026 and provided for holding open events by the finalists of the competition. Participants presented the results of their scientific activities to the members of the competition committee, demonstrating a professional level of presentation, pedagogical skills, interactivity and innovative approaches.
An important component of this stage was the discussion of the presented initiatives in the format of discussions and expert evaluation, which allowed determining the innovativeness, practical significance and relevance of scientific developments.
This format of the competition ensured transparency in the selection of winners and became an effective platform for the development of student science, exchange of experience and support of innovative initiatives in the university environment.
Winners of the competition
🏆 “Science in Action” – for the best practical implementation of scientific results:
scientific circle “International Relations and Diplomacy”
head – Dmytrashko Svitlana Anatoliivna, Candidate of Political Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Sciences and Law.
🏆 “Innovative Idea of the Year” – for the most promising innovative development or concept:
scientific group “Educational Innovation of Industry 4.0”
head – Volodymyr Volodymyrovych Chernykh, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Informatics.
🏆 “The Most Creative Problem Group” – for a non-standard approach, creativity and originality:
problem group “Current Issues in Teaching Mathematics in Educational Institutions”
head – Olha Mykolayivna Yakovleva, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Higher Mathematics and Statistics.
Ushynsky University congratulates the winners of the competition and wishes them further scientific achievements, new ideas and successful implementation of innovative projects.
