Ukraine's President Awards State Honors for Science Day
On the occasion of Science Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 380/2026, granting state awards to citizens in recognition of their contributions to science and education. The decree highlights the achievements of researchers, doctors, educators, and engineers across the country.
This annual celebration, observed on the third Saturday of May, underscores the vital role of scientific and educational progress in Ukraine's development. The award ceremony aims to boost the prestige of scientific work and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Among the honorees:
- Viacheslav Bohdanov, First Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and an academician, received the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, IV degree.
- Mykhailo Tukalo, Director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the National Academy of Sciences, was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, V degree.
- The Order of Merit, I degree, went to Volodymyr Rozumenko, Head of Department at the Romodanov Institute of Neurosurgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences.
- Liubov Dubrovina, Director General of the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, and Petro Metalnikov, a consultant from Kyiv, each received the Order of Merit, II degree.
- Fifteen individuals were honored with the Order of Merit, III degree.
Additional Recognitions and Honorary Titles
Further awards included:
- Nataliia Horovenko, Head of Department at the Shupyk National University of Healthcare, received the Order of Princess Olga, I degree.
- Raisa Vozhehova, Acting Director of the Institute of Climate-Oriented Agriculture at the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences, was awarded the Order of Princess Olga, II degree.
- Three people received the Order of Princess Olga, III degree.
- Olena Taran, Head of Department at the National Academy of Internal Affairs and a police lieutenant colonel, was awarded the Medal for Impeccable Service, III degree.
- Additionally, five individuals received the Medal for Labor and Valor.
Honorary titles were also conferred: 11 people were named Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine, 11 became Honored Doctor of Ukraine, 4 received Honored Machine Builder of Ukraine, and 4 were titled Honored Educator of Ukraine.
Science Day in Ukraine was established by presidential decree No. 145/97 on February 14, 1997. The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was founded on November 27, 1918, and the Law of Ukraine on Scientific and Technical Activities was adopted in 1999, providing a legal framework for the country's scientific community.
This decree underscores the importance of scientific achievements and the contributions of Ukrainian professionals to societal development.
The awards presented for Science Day reflect the state's recognition of the role of science and education in driving national progress. This event also helps elevate the prestige of scientific work in Ukraine and encourages young researchers to pursue new accomplishments.