From 26 July to 5 August 2026, the Winogradskiy International Summer School 3.0 was successfully held in Horodok, Khmelnytskyi Region, commemorating the 170th anniversary of the birth of Serhii Winogradsky. For the third consecutive year, the Summer School has brought together young researchers around science, experimentation, and discovery, creating a dynamic environment where academic knowledge is combined with modern technologies, international cooperation, and hands-on experience. This year's programme carried special historical significance, as 2026 marks the first official state-level celebration in Ukraine of the 170th anniversary of Serhii Winogradsky, the renowned Ukrainian scientist, academician, and one of the founders of modern microbiology, in accordance with the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 4748-IX of 18 December 2025.
The Winogradskiy International Summer School 3.0 was organised by the Winogradskiy Institute in partnership with the National Centre "Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine", the Yuria-Pharm Pharmaceutical Group, and the Anatolii Nazarenko Khmelnytskyi Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education. The project was made possible through the longstanding patronage of Professors Halyna and Mykola Humeniuk.
The Summer School welcomed 36 high school students, including winners of academic Olympiads, competitions organised by the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and highly motivated students from the Khmelnytskyi and Volyn regions, as well as the Horodok community, all of whom aspire to careers in natural sciences, particularly biotechnology, medicine, pharmacology, and bioengineering.
The programme combined online and in-person lectures delivered by leading Ukrainian and international scientists with practical laboratory sessions covering engineering, biotechnology, ecology, medicine, entrepreneurship, and soft skills development. A significant portion of the programme consisted of laboratory workshops, in which participants conducted experiments in physics, biology, botany, zoology, mycology, microbiology, and other STEM disciplines at the Winogradskiy Institute in Horodok.
More than 25 educators, university lecturers, researchers, and experts participated in the Summer School, representing higher education institutions in France, Switzerland, Germany, and Poland, as well as the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the National Center "Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine", the P. I. Prokopovych Institute of Beekeeping, Yuria-Pharm, and the Winogradskiy Institute.
Professor Olha Paraska, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Khmelnytskyi National University (KhNU), actively contributed to the Summer School programme. During her lecture, "Energy from Darkness: The Story of Chemosynthesis and Future Technologies," Professor Paraska introduced young researchers to the scientific legacy and groundbreaking discoveries of Serhii Winogradsky, whose work laid the foundations for microbiology, soil science, and biogeochemistry, while continuing to shape modern biotechnology. Particular attention was devoted to Winogradsky's discovery of chemosynthesis—the ability of microorganisms to obtain energy by oxidising inorganic compounds—which fundamentally transformed scientific understanding of the role of microorganisms in nature. Participants explored how his pioneering research on the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen, sulphur, carbon, and iron continues to underpin modern technologies, including biological wastewater treatment, bioremediation, sustainable agriculture, bioenergy, microbial community management, and the circular bioeconomy.
Another highlight of the programme was a lecture by Professor Tomasz Buratowski, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor at the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, member of the Polish National Academy of Sciences, and Honorary Professor of KhNU. In his presentation, "Artificial Intelligence in Biomechanics: LLMs and Shortest Path Search Algorithms," Professor Buratowski introduced participants to contemporary applications of artificial intelligence in biomechanics and robotics, explaining the principles behind large language models (LLMs) and shortest-path algorithms, as well as their practical implementation in robotic systems.
As part of the traditional closing event, teams of young researchers presented their startup projects to an expert jury consisting of: Andrii Horban, Chairman of the Winogradskiy Institute, Academician of the National Academy of Higher Education of Ukraine, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor at Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University; Professor Olha Paraska, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Head of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at KhNU; Maksym Smoliar, Head of the Engineering Division of the Winogradskiy Institute and entrepreneur; Professor Tomasz Buratowski, AGH University of Science and Technology, member of the Polish National Academy of Sciences. The jury provided expert feedback on the scientific novelty, practical relevance, and future potential of each project before selecting the winners.
For the third consecutive year, the Winogradskiy International Summer School 3.0 has served as a unique educational and research platform that combines Serhii Winogradsky's scientific heritage with contemporary approaches to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Throughout the programme, participants deepened their knowledge of microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, and natural sciences while gaining practical research experience, strengthening teamwork and scientific communication skills, and developing innovative startup ideas under the guidance of experienced scientists and mentors. This synergy of science, education, and innovation continues to foster a new generation of researchers prepared to address global challenges and develop the technologies of the future.
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