RESULTS OF THE IV INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION OF RESEARCH PAPERS FOF HIGHER EDUCATION SEEKER

On October 23, 2026, the Final Scientific and Practical Conference of the IV International Competition of Research Papers for Higher Education Seekers (hereinafter referred to as the Competition) was held on the basis of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design in three directions: “Art and Design”, “Fashion Industry” and “Public and Corporate Management”.

Annually, the Competition brings together young researchers and students from different countries around the world. This year, foreign higher education seekers from the United States of America, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Poland, Spain, Greece, Latvia and Moldova participated in the Competition. Ukraine was represented by students from leading universities of Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Uzhhorod, Odesa, Ternopil, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, Cherkasy, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and many other cities.

According to the Regulation, the Competition was held in two stages: at the first stage, two reviewers who were members of the Competition Committee studied the research papers; at the second stage, the Final Scientific and Practical Conference (hereinafter referred to as the Final Conference) was held, where the reports of the higher education seekers for the prizes were heard.

More than 90 research papers from 27 higher education institutions of Ukraine and the world (the United Kingdom, Moldova, Latvia, etc.) were submitted to the IV International Competition of Research Papers for Higher Education Seekers by direction of Art and Design. The papers were reviewed by qualified specialists, doctors of art history, doctors of science, professors from around the world (Moldova, the United Kingdom, Romania, Latvia, Poland), as well as from higher education institutions in Ukraine.

The moderators of the “Art and Design” direction of the Competition were Kalyna Pashkevych, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Design and Secretary of the Competition Liudmyla Melnyk, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Art and Fashion Design of KNUTD. The Final Conference by the direction of “Art and Design” featured reports of the authors of 28 research papers, which presented the results of students’ research in various areas of graphic design, environmental design, fashion design, etc.

Many of the young researchers’ papers focused on current issues in environmental design renovation and innovations in graphic and multimedia design, game design, fashion design, furniture design, interior design, and other related fields. Students presented the results of their research across various areas of design, as well as the practical implementation of their findings. The students were supervised by renowned design experts from Ukraine and around the world, including Liliana Platon, PhD in Architecture, Associate Professor, and Elena Madan, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor, Technical University of Moldova (Moldova); Eugene Reabenykiy, Lecturer, “Ion Creanga” State Pedagogical University of Chisinau (Moldova); Kateryna Chrichlow, Visiting Lecturer, Birmingham City University (United Kingdom); Nataliia Skliarenko, Doctor of Art Studies, Professor, Lutsk National Technical University; Inna Yakovets, Doctor of Art Studies, Professor, Cherkasy State Technological University; Yuliia Tretiak, Doctor of Architecture, Professor, Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture; Ruslana Bezuhla, Doctor of Art Studies, Professor, State University of Trade and Economics; Olha Borysenko, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor; Roksoliana Kvasnytsia, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor; Violetta Radomska, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor, Lviv Polytechnic National University; Elvira Bazyliuk, PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor; Larysa Krasniuk, PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor; Viktoriia Mytsa, PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Khmelnytskyi National University; Olha Hanotska, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor; Vladyslava Hurdina, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor, Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts; Oksana Havrosh, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor, Transcarpathian Academy of Arts; Anna Poletaeva, PhD in Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Kherson National Technical University; Hanna Chemerys, PhD in Education, Associate Professor, Zaporizhzhia National University; Kateryna Smykalo, PhD in Technical Sciences, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University; and others.

At the Final Scientific and Practical Conference of the International Competition of Research Papers for Higher Education Seekers in the "Fashion Industry" field, 14 higher education students from 5 higher education institutions presented their research papers. The event was opened by the conference moderators – Dean of the Faculty of Fashion and Technology, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Yana Redko, who warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized that holding the Competition serves as a powerful impetus for the innovative growth of young researchers, facilitates the exchange of experience, and strengthens international ties.

Associate Professor of the Fashion Technology Department, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Oksana Vodzinska joined the greetings and proceeded to skillfully host the event, sequentially introducing the conference participants and their scientific presentations. The organizational preparation was ensured by the Executive Secretary of the Competition – Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Fashion Technology Department at KNUTD, Tetiana Dzykovych.

The event brought together talented youth from Ukraine, Moldova, Greece, and other countries. The participants' research covers digitalization and engineering innovations (AI automation, implementation of digital product passports, equipment adaptation, 3D technologies), design of inclusive and adaptive clothing for rehabilitation, implementation of circular economy principles and sustainable development, as well as branding and ethnocultural heritage. Such a comprehensive approach demonstrates the readiness of young scientists to solve modern technological, environmental, and social challenges of the fashion industry.

Based on the results of the presentation defense at the Final Scientific and Practical Conference, the competition committee determined the winners and awarded 1st degree diplomas to 2 papers (3 students), 2nd degree diplomas to 4 papers (6 students), and 3rd degree diplomas to 4 papers (5 students).

We express our sincere gratitude to the scientific supervisors of the award-winning papers, who made a significant contribution to preparing the winners: PhD, Associate Professor Angela Skripcenco (Technical University of Moldova, Kishinev, Moldova); PhD, Professor Evridiki Papachristou (International Hellenic University, Kilkis, Greece); Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Liudmyla Nazarchuk, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Mykola Riabchykov and Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Oleksandr Shovkomud (Lutsk National Technical University, Lutsk, Ukraine); Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Svitlana Kuleshova, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Viktoriia Mytsa and Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Anna Seleznova, (Khmelnytskyi National University, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine); Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Larysa Bilotska, Researcher and Assistant Svitlana Lozovenko, and Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Antonina Babych (Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Kyiv, Ukraine). Thanks to their high professionalism and support, a powerful research potential among today's youth is being developed.

At the conclusion of the session, Oksana Vodzinska thanked the contestants and scientific supervisors for their significant contribution to supporting progressive science and creative approach, and also acknowledged Dariia Kapturova for her assistance with translation.

The event confirmed the high level of preparation of young scientists and demonstrated that modern research in the field of Fashion Industry has strong potential and is confidently integrating into the global scientific space.

A total of 61 research papers from higher education institutions in Ukraine, the United States, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Poland were submitted to the IV International Competition of Research Papers for Higher Education Seekers by direction of Public and Corporate Management. The papers were reviewed by qualified experts, Doctors of Economics and Professors from various countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Azerbaijan, Chile, and Ukraine (representatives of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design and other Ukrainian higher education institutions).

The final conference based on the results of the Competition by direction of Public and Corporate Management was moderated by Olena Vartanova, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Professor at the Department of Management of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design. The event featured presentations based on 18 research papers devoted to the results of students’ research activities in the fields of corporate management and public administration in the context of contemporary processes of globalization, the development of artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

The students’ research papers addressed a range of topical issues, including the use of artificial intelligence in developing the professional competencies of modern managers; managing the introduction of new products into business organizations’ production processes; team interaction in the digital era; disinformation as a challenge to public administration in the European Union; reverse mentoring; the influence of Generation Z values on the transformation of organizational management; adaptive management of enterprise logistics chains in an unstable environment; ensuring Ukraine’s post-war recovery; and other relevant issues.

The substantive presentations, active discussions, and professional responses to questions contributed to increasing participants’ motivation to pursue.

The students’ research was supervised by renowned specialists in the field of management, including Iryna Fedotova, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor (Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University); Maryna Dubinina, Dr. Econ., Prof. (Mykolaiv National Agrarian University); Mykhailo Sahaidak, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor (Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman); Nataliia Vavdiiuk, D.Sc. (Economics), Prof. (Lutsk National Technical University); Mariusz Mazurkiewicz, Ph.D. Eng, Prof. (Minerva University, San Francisco, California, USA); Yevhen Baranchenko, PhD, assistant professor (EU Business School Barselona, Spain); Mariana Shkoda, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor (Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design); Svitlana Bondarenko, Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor (Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design); Tetiana sigaieva, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor (Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics); Iryna Kolos, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman); Liana Maznyk, PhD, Assoc. Prof. (National University of Food Technologies); Nadiia Bocharovа, PhD, Associate Professor (Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University); Vita Krol, PhD in Economics (National University of Water and Environmental Engineering, Rivne); Olesya Datsko, Doctor of Economics, Associate Professor (Lviv National Academy of Arts) and other academic supervisors.

The results of the Competition were announced during the award ceremony held as part of the scientific and practical conference, which was moderated by Kalyna Pashkevych, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, and Dean of the Faculty of Design at KNUTD. Professor Pashkevych congratulated all Competition participants and their academic supervisors, highlighting the wide geographical representation of the projects, the diversity of research topics, and the high quality of the young researchers’ presentations. On behalf of the Competition’s Organizing Committee, she expressed her sincere gratitude to the students and their mentors for their active participation, dedicated work, curiosity, and creative approach to scientific research.

At the awarding ceremony, on behalf of the Acting Rector of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Dr. Oleksandra Olshanska, Professor, the participants of the Competition were congratulated by Dr. Viktoriia Marhasova, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation, Professor.

Professor Marhasova praised the contestants’ talent, courage, and creativity. She also emphasized that “…science knows no borders, and …scientific ideas become small steps towards great change.” She wished the winners continued success, expressing hope that their achievements would mark the beginning of new discoveries and scientific accomplishments.

At the final conference, Kateryna Crichlow, a designer, Visiting Lecturer at Birmingham City University, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), welcomed the conference participants. She highlighted the long-standing cooperation between KNUTD and Birmingham City University and expressed her gratitude to the Competition organizers for creating a platform where young researchers can present their creative ideas and exchange experiences. She also wished researchers from around the world strong international partnerships and the successful implementation of new collaborative research projects, as well as peace in Ukraine and continued prosperity for science.

In her welcoming address, Nataliia Skliarenko, Head of the Department of Design at Lutsk National Technical University, Doctor of Art Studies and Professor, emphasized the importance of student research as a meaningful source of support and empowerment for young people amid the full-scale war. She wished all participants inspiration and success. She also highlighted the high quality of the research papers presented and the students’ confident command of English during their presentations. Professor Skliarenko further emphasized the importance of the Competition’s international status, which creates a space for professional dialogue among representatives of different universities and academic schools in Ukraine and around the world.

Yarish Olena, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Finance and Banking at Poltava University of Economics and Trade, warmly welcomed all attendees on behalf of her university, and highlighted the growth of the Competition and the diversity of its participants. She noted that the Competition itself, along with inter-university cooperation, creates opportunities for students to generate new ideas and transform knowledge into tangible value for the economy and society. According to Associate Professor Yarish, the positive research outcomes highlighted in the reports delivered at this year’s Competition demonstrate the synergy achieved through cooperation between universities.

Maznyk Liana, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Labor Economics and Management at the Educational and Scientific Institute of Economics and Management, National University of Food Technologies, warmly congratulated the participants and winners of the Competition. She highlighted the high quality of the submitted research papers, noting that the relevance of the research topics, including artificial intelligence governance, the digital transformation of public services, GovTech for Ukraine’s recovery, branding, and other areas, contributes to addressing the current problems and challenges facing Ukrainian society. Assoc. Prof. Maznyk also emphasized that the Competition had clearly demonstrated the strength of international cooperation. She expressed her gratitude to the academic community for joint research projects and support for Ukraine, which inspire Ukrainian researchers and young people to keep moving forward.

Mykola Riabchykov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor at the Department of Creative Technologies and Fashion Industry, Lutsk National Technical University, was pleased to welcome all participants for the fourth consecutive year. He noted that the contestants’ English-language presentations and the quality of their submissions continue to improve and impress year after year. In addition, Professor Riabchykov emphasized that the research papers demonstrated students’ strong abilities in international communication and in solving problems encountered in real-world research. Finally, Professor Riabchykov thanked the Competition organizers and encouraged students to pursue their goals and actively participate in international academic mobility programs.

After sincere congratulations from the esteemed academic colleagues, Kalyna Pashkevych invited the deputy chairpersons of the Competition Commissions in the directions “Art and Design”, “Fashion Industry” and “Public and Corporate Management” to speak. They announced the winners of the Competition and awarded them with diplomas of the first, second and third degrees. The organizational support of the Competition was provided by Olena Yershova, PhD, Head of the Information Support and Technology Transfer Department of KNUTD.

It was a pleasure to hear from colleagues and academic supervisors of the students participating in the Competition at the final conference, as they shared their impressions of the experience and expressed their gratitude to the Competition organizers.

A list of the winners and their diplomas, as well as gratitude to the supervisors, will be posted on the official page of the Competition on the website of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.

We sincerely thank the reviewers of the Competition for their fruitful work in reviewing the research papers of higher education students!

We congratulate the winners of the Competition, all the participants and their supervisors!

We wish everyone peace, inspiration, new research opportunities, and success in putting their research findings into practice!

02.11.2026