The II International Conference Named After V. M. Voevodin United the Nuclear Community of Ukraine and Europe in Kharkiv
On April 16–18, 2025, the II International Scientific and Technical Conference named after V. M. Voevodin “Challenges of Modern Nuclear Power” was held in Kharkiv, hosted by V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. The event once again became a significant occasion for the scientific, educational, and professional community of Ukraine’s nuclear industry.
The conference gathered 160 registered participants, with around 50 attending in person. More than 60 speakers — including researchers, industry professionals, students, and postgraduate students — presented their studies, innovative technologies, and new approaches to nuclear energy development.
The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks from the event organizers and partners: the Ukrainian Nuclear Society (UkrNS), V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, the National Science Center “Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology,” the European Nuclear Society (ENS), and other leading research institutions.
Anton Panteleymonov, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, emphasized the importance of the conference for the academic community and for the development of nuclear science in Ukraine.
Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Chair of the Organizing Committee, Mykola Azarenkov, shared the history of the conference’s foundation and paid tribute to Viktor Mykolaiovych Voevodin — the event’s visionary and long-time member of the UkrNS Board and the ENS High Scientific Council.
Volodymyr Kholosha, President of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, underlined the role of the conference as a platform for discussing the key challenges and future prospects of the Ukrainian nuclear sector, expressing gratitude to professionals who, despite the war, continue to implement innovations and strengthen the nuclear share in Ukraine’s energy system.
Dr. Eng. Stefano Monti, President of the European Nuclear Society, also joined the opening session. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of international cooperation, scientific exchange, and the European nuclear community’s support for Ukraine. He wished participants fruitful work and highlighted that the conference represents not only a technical dialogue, but also a symbol of solidarity and shared commitment to the nuclear future of both Ukraine and Europe.
A key highlight of the first day was the panel discussion on the completion of Units 3 and 4 at the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. The discussion covered the strategic importance of the project, technical challenges, and the role of scientific and technical support.
Thematic sessions focused on materials science, new technologies for fuel assemblies and reactor pressure vessel steels, radiation protection, and environmental impact forecasting. Special attention was also paid to public communication, nuclear safety, Ukraine’s participation in the Euratom Program, cybersecurity, automated process control systems, and the use of blockchain in nuclear supply chain management. These discussions reflected the interdisciplinary scope of the conference and its contribution to shaping the future of nuclear energy in Ukraine.
The agenda of the following two days also covered a wide range of topics — from materials science, operational safety, and plant life extension to public outreach, radioactive waste management, and prospects of thermonuclear fusion. The panel discussion on the Khmelnytskyi NPP expansion remained a focal point of interest.
Held in a hybrid format with online participation, the conference succeeded in engaging a broad audience, including international participants. The event once again demonstrated the resilience and determination of Ukraine’s scientific community to advance the critical field of nuclear energy despite the challenges of war.
The conference was supported by Energy Safety Group, which partnered with the event as a strong example of collaboration between business, science, and education during wartime.
🔗 Video recordings of all three days of the conference are available on the official YouTube channel of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society:
https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineNuclearSociety/streams
- Day 1 of the conference https://youtu.be/Z8D3gHHpuwk
- Day 2 of the conference https://youtu.be/Tg7la9_1o7Q
- Day 3 of the conference https://youtu.be/4uflN7f684o
📄 The Book of Abstracts is available at the following link:
Photo report from the first day of the conference is available at the following link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uzd5j3kQnEpCNwxZA
