On October 7, 2024, a meeting with Olena Dovhopolova, an architect, designer of biodegradable materials, urban activist, co-founder of RAW: materials lab, and the Slobozhanske Hemp Growing cluster, took place in a hybrid format of a lecture and a master class. The meeting was organized by the Head of the Department of Applied Physics and Higher Mathematics Iryna Oleinikova as part of scientific cooperation and practical training of students of BNT groups studying under the educational program “Nanotechnology and Microtechnology in Design”.

The trend of the meeting was a change in thinking: from a human-centered to a planet-centered world. The only chance for the planet is a sustainable development plan.

“Integration of environmental awareness into all levels of education will allow us to train specialists whose activities will be aimed at harmonious coexistence with nature and responsible use of resources”, the speaker noted. 

During the master class, Olena Dovhopolova demonstrated a wide range of possibilities and products made using only natural plant materials. Unique products such as a beetroot plate, a knitted hemp shopper, a hemp “syntapon”, starch plastic and others were admired by the students and inspired them to create new interesting eco-products.    

At the end of the event, the students received a clear request to conduct research on the latest eco-friendly materials, model products from them, and expand the boundaries of their application. Thus, for the students of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, Olena Dovhopolova suggested designing home shoes made of hemp materials.

After the meeting, the students discussed with the speaker the directions of future cooperation aimed at creating new innovative products that will help preserve our planet.

10.10.2024