Second V. M. Voyevodin International Scientific and Technical Conference Held in Kharkiv
On 16-18 April 2025, the Second V. M. Voyevodin International Scientific and Technical Conference “Issues of Modern Nuclear Energy” was held in a mixed format. The event brought together more than 160 participants from Ukraine and Europe, among which there were leading researchers, representatives of the industrial sector, students and postgraduates.
The participants presented more than 60 reports devoted to innovative technologies, NPP safety, sustainable development and interdepartmental aspects of the nuclear industry.
The three days of the conference were divided into three sections:
- Development of nuclear energy sector of Ukraine.
- Materials for nuclear industry. Improvement of safety level and efficiency of NPP operation.
- Long-term operation of power units and ageing management of NPP equipment. Problems of fusion. Nuclear, radiation and environmental safety in management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. Work with the public on nuclear issues.
Every year, more attention is paid to the development of innovative solutions in the nuclear industry, in particular in the context of safety, sustainability and adaptation to new challenges. Modern digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, cloud calculations, provide new opportunities for accurate modeling and optimization of NPP operation. Vasyl Horbachuk, Leading Researcher of the V. M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, said that the most promising area is the development of a virtual NPP. It allows modeling comprehensive physical processes, predicting accident progression, considering social and environmental factors, as well as maintaining decision making in case of emergencies. Such an approach is a key one to improve nuclear safety in the context of growing global risks and active implementation of new technologies into the nuclear industry.
Serhii Monin, representative of the Research and Production Association “Impulse” spoke about the first Ukrainian deterministic reactor code ImCore for calculation of VVER-1000 state. This software is an important component of the in-core control system (ICCS). The scientific report presents key elements of the mathematical model and the results of its verification, which confirm the high accuracy and prospects of the development.
Three years of russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine have increased the relevance of the radiation safety area. Loss of control over radiation sources under hostilities poses serious challenges for national and international security. Ukrainian scientists and experts are working on modern solutions for the immediate detection and monitoring of such threats. Dmytro Stratilat, representative of the Institute of NPP Safety Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, stated that the development and implementation of the monitoring systems using existing modules of scintillation detector units and their integration into future projects are considered in order to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive materials beyond the area of hostilities.
Kateryna Batiutia, representative of the National Power Company “Ukrenergo”, spoke about the key role of the atomic energy in implementation of the REPowerEU Plan and energy transition of Ukraine to climate neutrality. The report emphasized that the National Energy and Climate Plan until 2030 envisages active development of water generation as a promising alternative to natural gas. Peculiar attention was paid to the prospects of production of pink hydrogen at Ukrainian NPPs.
During the conference, peculiar attention was paid to communication with the public on nuclear and radiation safety issues. Tetiana Verbytska, SSTC NRS Spokesperson, made a presentation “How to Talk about Nuclear and Radiation Safety: Ethics, Responsibility, Trust” emphasizing that ethics, reliability and trust are not abstract notions, but practical instruments for efficient communication in the field of nuclear and radiation safety. In addition, a higher level of public trust will be formed if people are communicated with and involved in discussions at different stages of project implementation. Anna Skorospielova, Leading Expert of the Public Relations Department, focused on building an effective dialogue between the scientific community and the media, which contributes to the formation of justified and balanced public opinion. Anton Kostiantynov, representative of the Energoatom, focused on the role of communication in the formation of public support to NPP construction in wartime condition. All presentations emphasized that trust and proper communication are key tools for ensuring safety and development of the industry.
The editor of the Uatom.org website also participated in the conference and made a presentation “Reliability vs Disinformation: The Role of the Uatom.org Website in Creating Quality Content” focusing on the mission of the resource so as to provide society with reliable and clear information on nuclear and radiation safety issues and noting that simplicity of presentation, relevance, openness and orientation to the needs of the public play an important role in the information fight against fakes. Uatom.org not only informs but also contributes to improving safety culture and is a platforms for specialized discussions.
Uatom.org Editorial Board