KNUTD PARTICIPATES IN THE TRANSNATIONAL PARTNER MEETING OF THE 3D4U PROJECT IN ATHENS

On August 27–28, 2026, the 4th and final Transnational Partner Meeting of the international Erasmus+ project 3D4U ("3D-Concepts for Fashion Education in Ukraine") took place in Athens, Greece. The event was dedicated to summarising the results of the work accomplished and planning the final stages of the project. The meeting brought together a consortium of European and Ukrainian partner organisations: International Hellenic University (IHU, Greece), Cre.thi.dev (Greece), Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI, Romania), Technische Universität Dresden (TUD, Germany), Fashion Globus Ukraine (FGU, Ukraine), as well as Ukrainian higher education institutions — Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), Lutsk National Technical University (LNTU), and Khmelnytskyi National University (KNU).

The main focus of the meeting was each beneficiary's contribution to the project's successful implementation and completion. KNUTD serves as the lead beneficiary in capacity building and the establishment of 3D4U hubs across all Ukrainian partner HEIs. Furthermore, the university leads the technical implementation of the 3D4U lifelong learning platform.

Direct participation in the event was taken by the project manager from KNUTD, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Fashion Technology, Nataliia Pervaia, who presented a detailed report from the university on capacity building and the creation of the KNUTD 3D Hub. She also reported on the successful modernization of two educational components for the G15 specialty "Light Industry Technologies", under the Fashion Industry educational program for the 2026–2027 academic year: "Modern Automation in Costume Design" for first (Bachelor's) cycle higher education students, the curriculum of which has been enriched with practical work using Clo3D and V-Stitcher (Browzwear) software; and "Spatial Design of Fashion Industry Products" for second (Master's) cycle higher education students, which now includes the study of principles for designing ergonomic 3D shoe lasts utilizing 3D scanning, modeling, and 3D printing technologies.

Significant resonance among European colleagues was generated by the online presentation of the project's key researcher, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Fashion Technology, Liliia Chertenko, who reported on the progress in utilising the KNUTD 3D Hub and populating the 3D4U lifelong learning platform. Special emphasis in Liliia Chertenko's report was placed on the humanitarian and rehabilitative applications of the KNUTD 3D Hub during wartime. She demonstrated how the hub's high-tech equipment (PodoScan 3D scanner, FLSun 3D printers) and powerful software (Rhino 8, CLO, V-Stitcher, ICAD3D+) are utilised to model, prototype, and manufacture specialised footwear for veterans and wounded defenders of Ukraine. KNUTD's capabilities enable precise 3D foot scanning, printing orthoses, modelling personalised orthopaedic insoles, and modifying lasts for specialised orthopaedic footwear, making an invaluable contribution to the rapid rehabilitation of victims.

We express our sincere gratitude to the European Union and the Erasmus+ program for funding and supporting this important project, as well as to the coordinator and the European and Ukrainian partner organisations for their fruitful cooperation and for the opportunity to implement it successfully at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design. Special deep gratitude and respect go to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose courage and resilience enable the KNUTD team to continue its educational, scientific, and international activities during these challenging times, thereby contributing to the future of our state.

07.09.2026