From June 15 to 20, 2026, Viktoriia LYZHNIUK, a 3rd year graduate student at the Department of Industrial Pharmacy of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), participated in the prestigious international educational and scientific school – 8th ESP Photobiology School, which was held at the Casa della Gioventù Universitaria of the University of Padova in Brixen/Bressanone (Italy). The event was organized by members of the European Society of Photobiology with the support the patronage of the University of Padova and of IQS-University Ramon Lull.
ESP Photobiology School is one of the leading international platforms for the professional development of young scientists in the field of photobiology. The school's program is aimed at deepening knowledge of the fundamental principles of photobiology and photochemistry of biomolecules, as well as modern approaches to using this knowledge to understand the impact of light on biological systems, the consequences of climate change, and the development of new phototechnologies in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and other industries.
This year, the event brought together 49 promising young scientists from 22 countries, among whom Viktoriia LYZHNIUK became the only representative from Ukraine. In order to encourage talented researchers, the organizers provided grant assistance based on the results of a competitive selection.
During five days of intensive training at the 8th ESP Photobiology School, classes were conducted by 20 leading scientists from different countries of the world – recognized experts in the fields of photobiology, photochemistry, photophysics, photomedicine, and dermatology.
An important component of the school was a poster session, during which each participant presented the results of their own scientific research. Viktoriia LYZHNIUK presented a paper on the topic “Enhancing the photoprotective properties of cosmetic products using natural boosters: a comparative study on PMMA plates and VITRO-SKIN®”, dedicated to the development of a natural oil booster to increase the effectiveness of sunscreen cosmetics. In addition, this paper conducted a comparative assessment of the photoprotective effectiveness of the developed cosmetic products on two test substrates – standard PMMA plates (in accordance with the requirements of ISO 24443) and an innovative model of artificial skin “VITRO-SKIN®”, the surface properties of which are as close as possible to the properties of human skin. The use of such a modern substrate allows you to obtain results that are closer to the real conditions of use of sunscreen cosmetic products.
The results of the research proved that the introduction of the developed booster into the composition of the sunscreen allows to increase the level of photoprotection from SPF 30 to SPF 50 without a significant impact on the texture, stability and organoleptic characteristics of the product, and the combination of both models provided a more objective and reliable characterization of their properties. The work was carried out under the supervision of Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Volodymyr BESSARABOV.
After completing the training program, participants took a final exam. According to the results of the final testing, Viktoriia LYZHNIUK confirmed the high level of mastering the training material and received a certificate of successful completion of the school.
Participation in the 8th ESP Photobiology School became an important stage in the professional development of the young researcher, contributing to the deepening of professional knowledge, familiarization with the latest international approaches in the field of photobiology and expansion of professional scientific contacts. Representation of Ukraine at this prestigious event, as well as receiving full scholarship support, testify to the high level of training of Ukrainian young scientists and the competitiveness of research carried out at the Department of Industrial Pharmacy of KNUTD.
The knowledge, modern methodological approaches and international practical experience acquired during the school will be integrated into the activities of the educational and scientific laboratory of molecular pharmacology, chemogenomics and biogerontology at the Department of Industrial Pharmacy of the KNUTD and used in the implementation of research aimed at the development and comprehensive evaluation of innovative photoprotective cosmetics.
We express our sincere gratitude to the organizers of the 8th ESP Photobiology School for the high level of organization of the event, the meaningful educational program, the atmosphere of open international scientific dialogue and the scholarship support provided to young researchers.
29.06.2026
