On May 16, 2026, the third Science and Plants Festival "Fest Science & Plants" took place at the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine – a large-scale scientific and educational event organized by the National Botanical Garden together with the Council of Young Scientists of the NAS of Ukraine with the support of the President of the NAS of Ukraine, academician Anatoliy Zahorodniy.
The festival traditionally united institutions of the NAS of Ukraine, universities, young scientists, representatives of the innovation sector, and the general public, becoming one of the largest open popular science events.
Thousands of guests attended the event – schoolchildren, students, families with children, researchers, and everyone interested in modern science. Visitors participated in lectures, workshops, interactive demonstrations, excursions, and scientific experiments, getting acquainted with contemporary research in an accessible and engaging format. The festival became a space for lively dialogue between scientists and society and once again confirmed the important role of science in technological, ecological, and social development.
The special atmosphere of the event was created by the space of the National Botanical Garden itself – a place where long-standing scientific traditions harmoniously combine with natural beauty. Unique landscape compositions, collection, exhibition, and ethnobotanical plots, cozy alleys, and spring flowering turned the festival into a true celebration of science, knowledge, and inspiration.
At the festival opening, welcoming speeches were given by the Head of the Organizing Committee, Deputy Director for Scientific Work of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine, Corresponding Member of the NAS of Ukraine Dzhamal Rakhmetov, Head of the Council of Young Scientists of the NAS of Ukraine, Doctor of Biological Sciences Oleksandr Kovalchuk, and Deputy Head of the Council of Young Scientists of the Department of General Biology of the NAS of Ukraine, Candidate of Biological Sciences Oleksandr Bondarchuk.
One of the key parts of the festival was interactive platforms where scientists introduced guests to scientific research, technologies, and the directions of their institutions' work in an accessible and lively format.
In particular, the Institute of Information Technologies and Systems of the NAS of Ukraine presented innovative unmanned complexes, intelligent control systems, and radiation monitoring technologies using UAVs. Demonstrations of unmanned system operator simulators, acoustic analysis of engine operation, and modern navigation complexes were popular among both youth and specialists.
The Institute of Telecommunications and Global Information Space of the NAS of Ukraine showcased scientific publications, informational materials, and modern developments in information technologies for ecology and environmental monitoring. Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the application of digital technologies in studying natural processes, analyzing ecological data, and developing modern information systems. They could see how IT solutions integrate with natural sciences to address current ecological and social challenges.
Representatives of the H. S. Pysarenko Institute of Strength Problems of the NAS of Ukraine presented modern composite materials for unmanned systems and discussed methods for diagnosing hidden damages in high-tech structures. The exhibition demonstrated the key role of materials science in the development of modern engineering and defense technologies.
At the stand of the E. O. Paton Institute of Electric Welding of the NAS of Ukraine, visitors could see equipment for 3D printing of plastics and polymers and receive printed souvenirs. A photo zone with a thermal imager attracted special interest, where everyone could take unusual photos and see how thermal imaging analysis technologies "see" the surrounding world.
Scientists from the V. I. Vernadsky Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the NAS of Ukraine introduced guests to modern electrochemical technologies and prospects for the development of hydrogen energy. During interactive demonstrations, visitors could observe the water electrolysis process, learn about the principles of battery and hydrogen fuel cell operation, and better understand the potential of future energy technologies.
Representatives of the State University "Kyiv Aviation Institute" presented modern IT solutions for botanical and ecological research, including drone flight demonstrations, digital interactives, and vegetation monitoring technologies. This showed how engineering and digital technologies integrate into natural sciences. At the same time, the Biotechnology Department of KAI presented a collection of plants in in vitro culture, as well as a series of essential oils and hydrolates obtained by water-steam distillation from medicinal plant raw materials. The exhibition particularly interested youth and children.
One of the most visited festival locations was the natural sciences exhibitions. In particular, scientists from the M. G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the NAS of Ukraine presented unique collections of microalgae, live fungal cultures, herbarium materials, and various interactives. Visitors had the opportunity to work with microscopes, learn about the biodiversity of Ukraine's plant world, and discover modern ecological approaches, including the creation of biodegradable materials based on fungal mycelium as an ecological alternative to plastic.
The exhibition of the Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of the NAS of Ukraine attracted considerable attention. Young scientists demonstrated in vitro plants, genetically transformed forms, results of microbiological studies, and conducted interactive experiments for children. Visitors were especially fascinated by plants glowing under ultraviolet light thanks to the use of the GFP gene. Festival guests actively communicated with researchers, asked questions about modern biotechnology, genetic engineering, and prospects for the development of science in Ukraine.
Modern scientific achievements for the agricultural sector were presented by the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the NAS of Ukraine. Scientists demonstrated new high-yielding cereal crop varieties, including white-grained and black-grained wheat forms, spelt wheat with dark purple grains, as well as innovative microbial preparations and nitrogen-fixing bacteria already actively used in agricultural production. This exhibition vividly demonstrated the role of modern science in strengthening food security and developing environmentally oriented agriculture.
Ecological lectures by the Institute of Hydrobiology of the NAS of Ukraine attracted many listeners. They were dedicated to river revitalization, preservation of aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and wetland protection. Scientists addressed current issues of water resource management, the impact of urbanization on water bodies, and the application of modern international practices for river ecosystem restoration.
Special attention was drawn to the Institute's interactive stand, where visitors familiarized themselves with scientific publications and monographs dedicated to studies of the waters of Halerne Island and Opechen Lakes in Kyiv, as well as international research in the deltas of the Danube, Dniester, and Pripyat rivers.
Recommendations on assessing the toxicity of bottom sediments, sampling methods, and cultivation of test objects were also presented, along with materials on the problem of harmful "water blooming" in reservoirs within the framework of a new project supported by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine. Together with scientists, festival participants studied water samples, discussed ways to reduce anthropogenic pressure on water bodies, participated in ecological games, and determined their own "water footprint." Nearby operated the "Eco-Reading Room," where everyone could get acquainted with popular science literature for children and adults dedicated to water supply issues and environmental conditions.
At the exhibition of the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics of the NAS of Ukraine, young scientists presented results of modern research in genomics, cell biology, and biotechnology of plants and microorganisms. Visitors could learn about methods of "green" synthesis of nanoparticles (silver, copper, zinc, and magnetic iron-containing materials) and their impact on soil bacteria. Special attention was attracted by collections of edible mushroom mycelium, yeast strains, and in vitro plants. Guests actively communicated with researchers, worked with microscopes, and showed interest in modern biotechnological developments. Particular emphasis was placed on popularizing project results funded by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine.
The National Natural Science Museum of the NAS of Ukraine presented a paleontological location where visitors could familiarize themselves with fossil remains of ancient animals and plants and learn more about the evolution of life on Earth. Interactive activities, especially popular among children, allowed an accessible and engaging immersion into the world of ancient nature and scientific research. The exhibition promoted natural sciences and fostered interest in paleontology.
The Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Aquatic Bioresources of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine presented an exhibition dedicated to modern directions in aquaculture, aquatic bioresources, and beekeeping. Visitors learned about aquaculture objects, features of their cultivation, and modern approaches to the conservation and rational use of aquatic ecosystems. Special attention was drawn to the demonstration of an experimental beehive frame. The location combined scientific-educational and practical components, attracting a wide audience.
- The National Antarctic Scientific Center presented an interactive exhibition dedicated to the biota of Antarctica and modern Ukrainian research of the icy continent. Guests learned about the unique ecosystems of Antarctica, adaptation of living organisms to extreme conditions, the work of Ukrainian polar explorers, and research conducted at the "Akademik Vernadsky" station. The location attracted the attention of both children and adults.
- The archaeological location organized by the Institute of Archaeology of the NAS of Ukraine together with the Department of Archaeology of the National University "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy" was extremely informative. Visitors got acquainted with archaeozoological materials, ceramics from various historical periods, replicas of ancient jewelry, and participated in symbolic archaeological "excavations." Scientists demonstrated how modern natural science methods help reconstruct human history.
For the first time, the Institute of the Ukrainian Language of the NAS of Ukraine, represented by the Council of Young Scientists of the institution, participated in the festival. At their platform, guests engaged in language games, botanical crosswords, dialectological interactives, and discussions on speech culture. Visitors learned about the features of Ukrainian dialects, participated in creating a lexicographic card index, and left their own expressions about their native language on a symbolic "map of unity."
The O. O. Potebnia Institute of Linguistics of the NAS of Ukraine presented visitors with modern directions in the development of Ukrainian linguistics and current linguistic research. Festival guests had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the institution's latest publications – monographs, dictionaries, popular science books, and issues of the journal "Linguistics." Additionally, they participated in interactive language tasks and discussions dedicated to modern language processes, the application of artificial intelligence in humanities research, and prospects for the development of youth science. A charity collection was held at the Institute's platform to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine: visitors received scientific publications, monographs, and professional journals prepared by the institution's scientists in exchange for voluntary contributions.
Throughout the festival, guests could also attend popular science lectures and discussions where scientists spoke about modern research, ecology, biodiversity, and the work of Ukrainian science today.
Representatives of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the NAS of Ukraine and the Chornobyl Radiation-Ecological Biosphere Reserve presented results of modern research in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, talked about the real impact of radiation on ecosystems, and debunked common myths about the "mutant zone." The audience showed significant interest in materials about the return of wild animals to the ecosystems of the Chornobyl Polissya, as well as comparisons of the ecological consequences of the Chornobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents.
Scientists from the I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of the NAS of Ukraine prepared a series of popular science lectures for festival guests dedicated to the diversity of the animal world, animal behavior features, biodiversity conservation issues, and the latest research in zoology. The lectures by the Institute's young scientists attracted a wide audience of children and adults, promoting natural science knowledge and fostering interest in studying living nature.
Partner organizations and representatives of the innovation sector also actively participated in the festival. In particular, the scientific and production enterprise "Athlon Avia" presented modern Ukrainian unmanned aviation complexes and developments in defense technologies, demonstrating the high potential of domestic engineering science and modern technological solutions.
The National Energy Company "Ukrenergo" presented an interactive ecological location for children and adults. Festival visitors could participate in creative and educational activities dedicated to ecology, energy saving, and responsible environmental attitudes. The company's platform became a space for lively communication, where guests were told about the rational use of energy resources and modern ecological initiatives in an accessible and interesting format.
Among the event partners was also the company LLC "LOGICLABGROUP", specializing in comprehensive laboratory equipment supply with modern equipment, furniture, instruments, and consumables for scientific, medical, educational, and industrial institutions. Company representatives noted the significance of the festival as a unique platform combining science, nature, education, and innovation, and emphasized the importance of developing scientific and educational initiatives and supporting modern research infrastructure in Ukraine.
The M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine prepared a wide range of scientific, educational, ecological, and cognitive events for guests. Visitors joined thematic excursions, familiarized themselves with the institution's scientific and innovative developments, the diversity of plants, seeds, and phytoproducts, and also visited the botanical illustration exhibition. The botanical garden's exhibitions and events harmoniously combined science, nature, creativity, and modern technologies, creating an atmosphere of open discovery and lively communication with science.
The festival concluded with the awarding of certificates by the Presidium of the NAS of Ukraine and the Council of Young Scientists of the NAS of Ukraine. Awards were given to participants and organizers who contributed to the event and the development of scientific and educational initiatives.
The festival became a space for the meeting of science and society, professional communication, new partnerships, and support for young scientists. The third "Fest Science & Plants" once again showed that Ukrainian science is open, modern, and close to people, and that the combination of science, nature, and innovation helps to talk about complex things in an interesting and accessible way.
According to information from the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden
