“<...>This year has posed new challenges to our University, it has become a year of hard work of a well-coordinated team in critical conditions, a year of heavy human losses, a year of consolidation and unity around comprehensive assistance to the country and the Armed Forces. In the context of a full-scale war, the scientific and innovative activities of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design are aimed primarily at preserving, developing and using the scientific, technical, scientific and artistic potential for the restoration and development of the Ukrainian economy as a whole <...>”, Rector of KNUTD said.
On October 17, 2024, the VIII International Scientific and Practical Conference of Textile and Fashion Technologies “KyivTex&Fashion”was held as part of the 94th anniversary of the University’s foundation. It became an important platform for dialogue and cooperation between scientists, educators, business and government institutions to discuss ways to solve problems and prospects for the development of the textile and fashion industries under martial law and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The Conference was initiated by Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design and supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. This year it was held in a hybrid format. It was organized by the Faculty of Arts and Fashion.
The event was solemnly opened by the Chairman of the Scientific and Practical Conference, Rector of KNUTD Ivan Gryshchenko, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology. Ivan Mykhailovych greeted the participants and guests of the event and emphasized that the University is developing; it trains competitive specialists for the military and post-war economy, has high professional and educational recognition, confirming its competitiveness with positions in national and international rankings. The Rector also stressed the relevance and importance of innovative technologies, which are a key factor in the economic growth of any country and determine our future Victory today. That is why such important “technologies” are mentioned both in the theme of the conference and globally in the name of the University. In recent years, the University’s teams of scientists have been awarded four prizes – the Borys Paton National Prize of Ukraine and the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology, two of which are focused on technology. Ivan Mykhailovych noted that the Faculty of Arts and Fashion is a specialized faculty at the University and has a strong staff. He also gave a historical example of the evolution of the Singer sewing machine, which once again confirmed the importance of technology development.
On behalf of the staff of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion of the University, the moderator of the plenary session, Natalia Ostapenko, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion of KNUTD, expressed deep respect and gratitude to Ivan Mykhailovych for the long-term development of the light industry through powerful scientific schools, experienced faculty, famous graduates, various scientific, educational and social projects, etc.
This year, the Conference participants discussed and shared their experience and ideas on the problems and prospects of the fashion industry, modern aspects of materials science, technologies, including information technologies, innovations in the textile and fashion industries, and topical issues of training specialists for the fashion industry. Thus, the plenary session of the Conference featured presentations in a creative, professional, and partnership atmosphere:
- Golda Vinohradska, founder and owner of TM “Golda”, head of the public union “Fashion Globus Ukraine”, vice president of the Confederation of Designers and Stylists of Ukraine, Ukraine;
- Bernd Franke, practitioner, internationally recognized professional in orthopedic footwear design and manufacturing, consultant in prosthetic and orthopedic direction at Unbroken Rehabilitation Center, Germany;
- Viktor Drychyk, Chief Specialist of the Standardization Department of the Administration and Standardization Department of the Main Directorate for the Development of Material Support;
- Natalia Dudchenko , Dr. Eng., leading researcher at the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Israel;
- Valeriy Rybas, Director of TK-Furniture LLC, Ukraine;
- Tetiana Spahiu, PhD, Professor, Department of Textiles and Fashion, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania;
- Serhiy Pryschepa, regional representative of Lectra-Gerber, Ukraine.
More than 150 participants registered for the Conference, with a variety of topics in accordance with the directions and their wide geography, which testifies to its relevance, effectiveness and interaction of representatives of the scientific and educational, business community, and leading organizations.
The International Scientific and Practical Conference was attended by representatives of the scientific and educational community of leading foreign educational institutions from more than 10 countries, including the Republic of Lithuania (Kaunas University of Technology), Georgia (Akakia Tsereteli State University), Greece (University of Western Macedonia), Tajikistan (Dangara State University), Israel (Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University), Germany (Technical University of Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Composite Materials, Technical University of Kaiserslautern), Moldova (Technical University of Moldova), China (Xi'an Peihua University), Albania (Polytechnic University of Tirana), Turkey (Uşak University), etc.
Natalia Gudzenko, Doctor of Philosophy, Associate Professor at the Leibniz Institute of Composite Materials of the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Germany, expressed her sincere words of greeting and support to the Conference participants in a video message. On behalf of the director and herself, the colleague sincerely congratulated the participants of the Conference, which brought together experts from around the world in difficult times when our country is fighting against the destruction and aggression of racists. The International Conference serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and the introduction of new technologies, and helps to establish connections between participants. The geographical scope confirms our unity and desire to cooperate, demonstrates that science is a universal language that can unite people. Concluding her greeting, Natalia Gudzenko emphasized that in the joint struggle for freedom and development, we will definitely prove that our will and our freedom are unbreakable and we prove to the whole world that we are strong and that we will certainly win.
Golda Vinohradska, founder and owner of Golda TM, head of the Fashion Globus Ukraine public union, vice president of the Confederation of Designers and Stylists of Ukraine, delivered a welcoming speech and a report on “Public-Private Partnership in Training for the Ukrainian Fashion Industry” at the plenary session. Among the key initiatives announced was cooperation between educators and employers, which is a key factor in the formation of high quality, highly qualified personnel and the adaptation of educational programs to the growing demands of the labor market. An important aspect is the development of joint programs that include non-standard methods of career guidance for young people, which promotes interest in fashion industry professions. Involvement of young people in practical projects and internships stimulates not only their professional development, but also increases their competitiveness in the labor market, creating new standards of quality education in the fashion industry.
Representatives of the educational community, who, together with KNUTD, keep the educational front, were greeted with loud applause. Fellow educators were present in the hall:
- Tetiana Ivanishena, Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Design, and Tetiana Nadopta, Head of the Department of Fashion Industry, from Khmelnytskyi National University;
- Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University - Head of the Department, Head of the Department of Design and Fashion Industry Halyna Ripka, Associate Professor of the Department Yevhen Maznev;
- Kyiv Professional College of Applied Sciences - Director Hanna Shchutska.
Also among the participants from the scientific and educational community of the leading educational institutions of Ukraine were the representatives of Kherson National Technical University; Lutsk National Technical University; NTUU “KPI”; Ukrainian Engineering and Pedagogical Academy; V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University; Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts; Lviv National Academy of Arts; Semenenko Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Ore Formation of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine; National Defense University of Ukraine; Chernivtsi Vocational College of Technology and Design; Kharkiv Vocational College of Technology and Design; Lviv Vocational College of Fashion Industry of KNUTD; Kramatorsk Vocational College of Technology and Design; Municipal Institution of Vocational Education and Training Kyiv Vocational College of Art and Service Technologies; Bila Tserkva Vocational College of Service and Design; Odesa Technical Vocational College of ONTU.
In his professional practice-oriented presentation “Manual and Digital Practice of Modern Orthopedic Footwear Manufacturing”, Bernd Frank, a practitioner, an international professional in the development and manufacture of orthopedic footwear, addressed the audience with wishes for fruitful work and convincing achievements. The speaker described and showed the 1000 m² workshop for lower limb prosthetics in Ukraine for the rehabilitation of military personnel, which is equipped with machines for the production of orthopedic shoes, pads, plaster casts, individual anatomical insoles, etc. He noted that after the insole is created, a test shoe is made based on the footprint to check the shape of the insole and the fit of the shoe. Insoles can be made either manually or by 3D printing, or on CNC machines by milling. Mr. Bernd also focused on one of the most pressing issues in the prevention of diabetic foot with the help of special orthopedic footwear.
Tetiana Ivanishena, Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Design of Khmelnytsky National University (KNU), who came to the event together with Tetiana Nadopta, Head of the Department of Fashion Industry in Light Industry at the University, addressed touching words of greeting to the participants and guests of the event in the hall of the KNUTD Academic Council. The Faculty of Arts and Fashion of KNUTD and the Faculty of Technology and Design of KhNU have long-standing friendly relations and close cooperation. The speaker recalled that she had the pleasure of first coming to KNUTD as a graduate student twenty years ago. And today, as the Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Design of KNU, I am happy to welcome a community of like-minded people who share their ideas, research, and developments, which gives impetus to social progress and the development of the academic community involved. “KNU, which is characterized by a variety of faculties and specialties, has been cooperating with KNUTD, which is our closest partner, for many years”, said Ms. Tetiana.
The Conference participants listened with interest to the report “General Requirements for Flight Equipment” by Viktor Drychyk. The speaker noted that the development of modern combat equipment for flight crews is one of the state's priorities in terms of modernization and re-equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The speaker listed the shortcomings of the combat equipment of the flight crew based on the analysis of the use of our aviation in the combat zone, described the main products from the list of material support in accordance with the needs of the Armed Forces and emphasized that only an integrated approach to their design can provide modern and effective developments for the military.
Words of greeting to the Conference participants came from the Georgian colleagues from Kutaisi. Nino Dolidze, Professor of the Department of Design and Technology at Akakia Tsereteli State University, congratulated the participants on the start of the Conference, wished peace, prosperity and successful work to its participants, emphasized the long-standing friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between our institutions. She also noted that despite the difficult situation in Ukraine, the university is actively engaged in research. The colleagues from Georgia are deeply convinced and wish Ukraine a speedy victory!
Natalia Dudchenko, a professor from Bar-Ilan University (Israel), warmly greeted the participants and guests of the event and delivered a powerful presentation on “Production of Antibacterial Textiles with Copper and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in One Composition”. The speaker emphasized the growing need for antibacterial textiles capable of inhibiting bacterial growth, especially in sectors such as healthcare, sports and casual wear, etc. One of the effective and sustainable ways to apply copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles to fabrics is one-pot synthesis using ultrasonic irradiation. In her presentation, she presented the results on the effectiveness of copper and zinc oxide coated textiles against planktonic and biofilm forms of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Valeriy Rybas, Director of TK-Furniture LLC, warmly greeted the Conference attendees and delivered a report on “Problems and Prospects for the Development of the Textile Industry in Ukraine.” “To create a garment product, you need to have materials, threads, fabric, and accessories”, the speaker began his presentation. Victor Rybas noted that while Ukraine is fighting the Russian invasion of its territory, its textile and clothing industry is trying to address urgent needs, namely the lack of raw materials and the shortage of specialists at various levels of production. The speaker focused on the development and search for new opportunities in the textile industry.
On behalf of Olena Chepelyuk , Rector of Kherson National Technical University, and the academic staff, Maria Artemenko, First Vice-Rector of the University, addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of holding the Conference as a platform for the exchange of experience, ideas, and communication between light industry professionals. Long-term friendly partnerships between KNUTD and KNTU are confirmed by joint projects, events, various initiatives in science and education and have further prospects. The speaker emphasized the importance of developing the raw material base, material science, and spinning production of the textile industry.
The report by Tetiana Spahiu, an associate professor from Tirana, Albania, was fascinating and spectacular. The speaker made a presentation on the results of the international grant project “Digital Tools for Wearable Products for the Shoe Industry”, which is dedicated to the implementation of the latest digital technologies and tools in the training process of footwear industry workers.
Serhiy Pryschepa, regional representative of Lectra-Gerber, made a presentation on “Features of the Introduction of Cutting Equipment at Ukrainian Garment Enterprises”. The speaker presented an innovative line of automated cutting machines “VectorFashion” for garments and fabric types, providing flexibility in the mass production process. Serhiy Pryschepa described in detail and characterized the advantages of different models of cutting complexes depending on the volume of orders, the height of the flooring and the range of textile products for various purposes.
On behalf of the team, Natalia Ostapenko expressed her deep respect and gratitude to the stakeholders of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design for their daily tireless work and steadfastness, the stability of their positions in the domestic market, and for finding the opportunity to visit the University in a difficult time for our country, namely
- Liudmyla Ivanova, Director of Dana-Fashion LLC, winner of the Borys Paton National Prize of Ukraine, member of the Educational Investment and Technology Cluster of Light Industry;
- Valeriy Rybas , Director of TK-Furniture LLC, Barva LLC, member of the Light Industry Investment and Technology Cluster;
- Tetiana Abramova , Director of Rito Fashion House LLC;
- Oleksandr Bondar, Director of Prime Shoes LLC;
- Anton Yevenko, co-owner of KOR APAREL LLC;
- Mykhailo Kucherenko, Director of Surikat LLC;
- Denys Devoguts , a technologist at ROSA Knitting Factory.
As part of the Conference, the exhibition featured creative works by students majoring in 182 Light Industry Technologies, publications by teachers of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, and a roundtable discussion with stakeholders.
After the break, the Conference continued on four thematic platforms, which were attended by stakeholders from around the world - scientists, representatives of enterprises, leading organizations in the textile and fashion industries, and higher education students who presented their research. The topics of the platforms were also quite diverse and concerned the problems and prospects of the fashion industry development, modern aspects of materials science, technologies, in particular information technologies and innovations in the textile and fashion industries, and topical issues of training specialists for the fashion industry, which were discussed. Professors, associate professors, doctoral students, young scientists, and students took an active part in the work of the announced Conference platforms. The moderators of the platforms were well-known representatives of Ukrainian and international education in the fashion industry, Ukrainian enterprises and leading organizations, as well as KNUTD scientists – Lilia Chertenko, PhD, Oksana Vodzinska, PhD, Tetiana Dzykovych, PhD, Alla Kolodyazhna, PhD in Psychology, and others. The conference papers will be published in the KyivTex&Fashion conference proceedings.
We sincerely thank all the moderators, speakers, participants and guests for their participation, fruitful and valuable work, constructive dialogue, expansion of scientific horizons, new ideas, high level of scientific reports, lively discussions and high appreciation of professional work!
The Conference was held despite the difficult times for our country and thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We express our deepest respect and sincere gratitude to each defender and low bow to our soldiers!
25.10.2024
