In order to activate the research activities of higher education students, popularize student science and support innovative initiatives, a competition for the best research group (problem group) was held at Ushynsky University in May 2025. The competition was organized in accordance with the Regulations “On the Student Research Group (Problem Group)”, approved by the decision of the Academic Board of the University (Minutes No. 8 of March 24, 2022) and the order of the rector No. 113-nd of May 6, 2025.
The competition commission included: Hanna Vyacheslavivna Muzychenko, Vice-Rector for Research, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor (Chairman of the Commission); Oleksiy Anatoliiovych Listopad, Head of the Department of Preschool Pedagogy, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor (Secretary of the Commission); Natalia Ivanivna Kerdivar, Head of the Educational and Research Service, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor; Mykhailo Yuriyovych Levenets, Head of the Scientific Society of Students, Postgraduate Students, Doctoral Students and Young Scientists; Sofia Oleksandrivna Koneva, Acting Head of the Student Council of Ushynsky University.
The competition for the best scientific circle (problem group) at Ushynsky University was held in two stages, which allowed to ensure the objectivity of the assessment, the involvement of a wide range of participants and the presentation of the best student scientific initiatives.
The first stage (nomination) lasted on May 12-16, 2025. At this stage, the leaders of student scientific circles and problem groups had the opportunity to submit applications to the competition commission with an appropriate package of documents. The materials included: a description of the main areas of activity of the circle or group, the results of scientific and research work for the academic year, information about participation in conferences, competitions, publications, implemented projects, achievements of participants, as well as visual or media materials that illustrated the activity and creativity of the scientific center.
The second stage (presentation) took place on May 19-23, 2025 and provided for public defense and presentation of the activities of scientific circles and problem groups. The participants had the opportunity to present their achievements to the members of the competition committee. An important component of this stage was the discussion of initiatives in the format of discussions and expert evaluation, which allowed to reveal the innovativeness, practical significance and relevance of the presented developments.
This format of the competition not only contributed to the transparency of the selection of winners, but also became a kind of platform for the exchange of experience, inspiration and development of new ideas in the student scientific environment of Ushynsky University.
According to the results of the competition, the winners were determined in the following nominations:
“The Most Creative Scientific Circle” – for a non-standard approach, creativity and originality: student scientific circle “International Relations and Diplomacy” of the Department of Political Sciences and Law, scientific supervisor – Candidate of Political Sciences, Senior Lecturer Dmytrashko Svitlana Anatoliivna.
“The Most Creative Scientific Circle” – for a non-standard approach, creativity and originality: student scientific group “Inclusion in Education” of the Department of Gymnastics and Physical Education and Sports Technologies, scientific supervisor – Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Natalia Fedorivna Shchekotylina.
“Science in Action” – for the best practical implementation of scientific results: student scientific group “Current Problems of Preschool Education and Higher School Pedagogy” of the Department of Preschool Pedagogy, scientific supervisor – Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Olena Albertivna Kudryavtseva.
“Innovative Idea of the Year” – for the most promising innovative development or concept: student scientific group “Special Child” of the Department of Special and Inclusive Education, scientific supervisor – Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Olena Vasylivna Nachinova.