Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, presented diplomas and awards to young scientists who were laureates of the 2024 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Prize, and held a meeting with them.
Among the winners of the competitive selection are 91 young researchers. They authored 49 winning scientific papers covering research across 16 fields of study and 46 distinct specialties.
Addressing the scientists, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada expressed his deep admiration for the young researchers, whose energy, diligence, and passion for science deserve the highest recognition:
“I worked at a university for over 25 years, so I am very glad to be among colleagues today. It gives me great pleasure that despite the war and ongoing daily challenges, Ukraine boasts a large number of young scientists who deliver competitive quality and worthy results.”
He also thanked the Ukrainian defenders, emphasizing that it is precisely due to their tireless struggle that it remains possible today to nurture science and secure the intellectual future of our state.
“I want to thank our Armed Forces of Ukraine, thanks to whom we have the opportunity to be here and do what we do. It is the AFU that is fighting for the preservation and continuation of our nation, and a nation endures when it possesses intellect and memory,” Ruslan Stefanchuk concluded.
Serhii Babak, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation, also congratulated the young scientists. He noted that the best way to predict the future is to create it ourselves.
“Today, our young researchers are working on innovative solutions for medicine, defense, economy, education, and many other fields. However, it is equally important that they help improve the scientific system itself from within. A prime example is an experiment by one of the laureates, Professor Ihor Serdiuk, who utilized artificial intelligence to expose the flaws of superficial peer review in certain scientific journals,” emphasized Serhii Babak.
According to him, such initiatives demonstrate that genuine science not only generates new knowledge but also honestly acknowledges its own shortcomings and seeks ways to address them.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Prize for Young Scientists is aimed at recognizing the significant achievements of researchers, enhancing the prestige of the profession, and stimulating fundamental and applied scientific research.
