How society's attitude towards science changes during the war, why supporting young researchers is critically important for the country's future, and what role scientific popularization plays in building trust in science – these topics were discussed on the program "Knowledge Module" on Radio Culture.
The guests of the broadcast were the Deputy Director for Scientific Work (Innovative Development) of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine, head of the organizing committee of the festival "Science and Plants Day", corresponding member of the NAS of Ukraine Jamal Rakhmetov and the Head of the Council of Young Scientists of the NAS of Ukraine, leading researcher at the National Scientific Natural History Museum of the NAS of Ukraine, Doctor of Biological Sciences Oleksandr Kovalchuk.
The discussion participants touched on issues that today determine the future of Ukrainian science. Society's trust in scientific knowledge is not an abstract category but an indicator of the maturity of the state. The war has changed Ukrainians' attitude towards technology and engineering: the practical value of science has become more tangible. At the same time, the question of motivating young people to pursue scientific careers and the importance of open dialogue between scientists and society remains open.
Special attention was given to the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine – as a space where science, nature, and culture are organically combined. Such places not only preserve biodiversity but also shape ecological thinking, engage people in learning, and emphasize the importance of natural sciences for solving current issues – from ecology to food security and post-war recovery.
An important topic was academic mobility. The outflow of scientific personnel abroad is not only a challenge but also a potential opportunity: if Ukraine can maintain connections with researchers working abroad and create conditions for their return, this will open new prospects for integration into the global scientific community and preservation of the potential of domestic science.
The recording of the broadcast is available at the link: Knowledge Module – Radio Culture