The Council of Young Scientists under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine announces the launch of the updated “Young Scientist of the Year” Competition, dedicated to the World Science Day for Peace and Development, celebrated annually on 10 November.

The competition aims to recognize and support significant achievements of young scientists across various fields of science and areas of practical activity, promote science, and increase public interest in scientific research.

“Young scientists today are engaged not only in research, but also create technological solutions, launch start-ups, develop STEM fields and popularize science. They are also an active generation that contributes to the economy, improves the demographic situation in the country, represents Ukraine internationally, and supports the Armed Forces and society. Therefore, it is important that the competition reflects this diversity and provides an opportunity to see and recognize the concrete results of their work. For the first time, the updated format combines data from the National Researcher System, expert evaluation and verified electronic voting,” said Denys Kurbatov, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Key Innovations of the Competition

The updated format includes 32 categories, grouped into two main blocks, with different mechanisms for determining the winners:

• Block 1: 14 categories by scientific fields, ranging from National Security and Mathematics to the Humanities. Evaluation will be based on data from the National Researcher System (NRS). Three winners will be selected in each category. No additional documents need to be submitted.
• Block 2: 18 interdisciplinary categories for special achievements and societal contribution. Participants will submit electronic applications through the National Electronic Scientific and Information System “Nauka” (https://nauka.gov.ua/). Applicants may apply in several categories within this block; however, a participant may become a laureate in only one category.
• Combination of expert evaluation and electronic voting. For the categories in Block 2, the score awarded by the Competition Committee and the results of authorized online voting will each account for 50% of the competition score.
• Focus on current areas and the societal contribution of science. The competition includes categories recognizing scientific start-ups, STEM popularization, digital technologies in research, technology transfer, innovative solutions for the frontline, as well as young scientists who are veterans, military personnel, parents, particularly successful in international activities, and other categories.

Who Can Participate

The competition is open to young scientists who, as of 31 December 2025, met the requirements for young scientist status under the Law of Ukraine “On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activities.”

Participants may apply individually or as part of teams of young scientists, depending on the requirements of a particular category. For Block 2, achievements during 2025 will be evaluated.

Winners of previous years may be nominated again in the same category no earlier than two years after their previous win.

How to Apply and Deadlines

To participate in the categories of Block 2, applicants must complete the electronic application form in the “Nauka” system (https://nauka.gov.ua/information/molodi26/) and submit the materials required by the conditions of the relevant category (for authorized users).

Applications will be accepted until 18:00 Kyiv time on 15 October 2026.

Online voting will take place from 23 October until 18:00 Kyiv time on 28 October 2026.

The competition is organized by the Council of Young Scientists under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

General Inquiries

Yelyzaveta Kulikova — Chair of the Competition Committee, Deputy Chair of the Council of Young Scientists under the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Phone: +380 68 770 6450
Email: leaderscientist@gmail.com

Competition materials

Application forms (for authorized users)