KNUTD PARTICIPATES IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE ASSOCIATION AUTEX

On 27 October 2026, the General Assembly of AUTEX, an international association of universities and research institutions involved in textile education and research, was held in a hybrid format in Kuşadası, Türkiye.

Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD) was represented at the meeting by Yana Redko, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Fashion and Technologies; Alla Rubanka, PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Fashion and Style, Faculty of Fashion and Technologies and Liudmyla Melnyk, PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor and Deputy Dean for Research and Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Design.

During the meeting, participants considered the approval of the minutes of the previous General Assembly and heard a report from the AUTEX President on the Association’s activities. Key topics included the development of international cooperation, improving communication among member universities, expanding membership, and supporting joint educational and research initiatives. The financial report was also reviewed, including the current budget situation and revenue from membership fees and scientific publications.

Considerable attention was given to the activities of the AUTEX Research Journal and the preparation of monographs. Discussions covered trends in the submission and publication of research articles, processing times, requirements for research quality, and the involvement of academics in peer review. Participants emphasised the importance of active engagement by university representatives in the expert evaluation of publications. Academic integrity and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in preparing research materials were also addressed.

Another item on the agenda concerned the expansion of the Association’s membership. Participants considered membership applications and matters relating to the withdrawal of members. Encouraging universities that develop textile education, technology and design to join the international academic community remains an important area of activity.

As part of the discussion on AUTEX educational initiatives, participants received an update on the WE-TEAM programme, which supports international cooperation and educational opportunities for students. They also considered ways to recognise research achievements, including awards for the best doctoral research presentation and the best poster presentation. These initiatives aim to support early-career researchers and encourage their participation in international research events.

Preparations for the AUTEX World Conference 2027, scheduled to take place in Monastir, Tunisia, on 9–11 June 2027, were also discussed. The conference will provide a platform for presenting research findings, exchanging experience, and establishing new professional contacts among representatives of universities and research institutions. Participants also discussed organisational arrangements for the next General Assembly and proposals to strengthen cooperation among Association members.

Following the meeting, an online vote on new membership applications was held. Such procedures are an important part of AUTEX’s activities, helping to develop international partnerships and bring new institutions into joint research and educational projects.

The participation of KNUTD representatives in the AUTEX General Assembly is important for maintaining international academic links, exchanging experience, and identifying new opportunities for cooperation in textile education, design, and light industry technologies.

28.10.2026