By: Yulia Korniychuk, Ukraine Student Chapter President
Today, Ukraine continues to live, study and develop under the challenging circumstances of an ongoing full-scale war. These challenges have significantly increased the importance of the Earth sciences. Geology, geophysics, environmental science and geo-information technologies play a key role in environmental assessment, natural resource management, energy security, humanitarian de-mining, infrastructure recovery and the future reconstruction of Ukraine.
We believe that today’s students and young researchers will become the specialists who contribute directly to rebuilding the country in the coming decades. Investing in their education, professional development and international integration is therefore more important than ever. This vision formed the foundation for the establishment of the EAGE KNU Student Chapter at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
The student chapter was established in spring 2026, bringing together a group of motivated students and young researchers from the Educational and Scientific Institute of Geology. Our goal was simple yet ambitious: to build a professional community that would connect Ukrainian students with the international EAGE network and create new opportunities for academic and professional development.
The initiative emerged through a series of meetings with EAGE representatives, particularly Dmitry Bozhezha, head of the EAGE Kyiv Service Point. During these meetings, students independently prepared and delivered a presentation in which they shared their ideas, their vision for the chapter’s development and the work already accomplished. Their initiative and enthusiasm became the driving force behind the creation of a local community and its integration into the international geoscience network.
Throughout April and May 2026, the chapter gradually took shape. Members were registered within the EAGE system, communication platforms were created and the structure of future activities was developed. From the outset, our goal was not simply to establish another university organisation, but to build a sustainable and active community.
One of the chapter’s first major activities was its participation in the international conference ‘Monitoring of Geological Processes and Ecological Condition of the Environment 2026’. Chapter members volunteered during the event, attended scientific sessions and interacted with researchers and industry professionals. Today, the EAGE KNU Student Chapter brings together undergraduate and master’s students, as well as young researchers from various Earth science disciplines, including geophysics, geology, environmental science, geoinformatics, petroleum studies and related fields.
Its members are already actively involved in research projects, scientific publications, conferences and industry collaborations. Several members combine their studies with professional activities at leading Ukrainian scientific institutions, including the S. I. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Ukrgeophysics State Enterprise.
The chapter is supported by Faculty Adviser Viktor Onyshchuk, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Geophysics at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. His extensive experience in research and education provides students with valuable guidance and mentorship.
The chapter is led by Yuliia Korniichuk, a master’s student at the Institute of Geology and an engineer at the S. I. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. She initiated the creation of the student chapter, developed its activity plan, brought together active students and became its president.
One of our main goals is not only to organise local events, but also to build strong and lasting relationships with the global EAGE community. We aim to collaborate actively with other EAGE Student Chapters, organise joint lectures, scientific discussions and educational events, and create an international network of young geoscientists.
Over the coming year, the chapter plans to organise public lectures, scientific seminars, workshops, field camps, student research competitions and collaborative activities with other EAGE Student Chapters.
We believe that international collaboration, knowledge exchange and active student participation are essential to the future development of the geosciences. By connecting Ukrainian students with the global EAGE community, we hope to inspire a new generation of specialists who will contribute to scientific progress and the long-term recovery of Ukraine.
To get involved or learn more, please contact Chapter President Yuliia Korniichuk at yuliia_korniichuk@knu.ua or Faculty Adviser Dr Viktor Onyshchuk at viktor.onyshchuk@knu.ua.
