May 18, 2024 Council of Young Scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the National Botanical Garden named after M. M. Hryshka of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine celebrated Science Day in Ukraine as part of an active open air program of popular science events. Interesting exhibitions and demonstrations for children and adults were organized in the green areas of the Botshad. The guests had a unique opportunity to see the scientific achievements of young scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
The visitors were able to visually familiarize themselves with the modern robotics complex, in particular, learn the basics of controlling the all-terrain robot KULYA, which was created by specialists of the Ukrainian robotics company Ukraine Robotics.
The work of the 3D printer and the demonstration of the principles of creating various parts with its help aroused great interest of those present. Additive technologies – one of the promising areas of development of materials science – were demonstrated on the 3D printer Gembird 3DP-Gemma, which is based on FDM printing technology (modeling by deposition method). The young visitors of the exposition really liked the self-printed souvenirs in the form of a small disk with the logo of the Institute of Electric Welding named after E. O. Paton of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
The Physical and Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine immediately demonstrated the use of 3D printing in traditional methods of obtaining metal castings. The exhibition featured foundry models of complex geometry printed on a 3D printer, as well as ceramic forms made from these models.
Another demonstration of scientific achievements was conducted by young scientists of the Institute of Problems of Materials Science named after I. M. Frantsevich of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, presenting ceramic products obtained by powder metallurgy methods. Visitors also got acquainted with fiber composites used in rocket, aircraft, shipbuilding and automobile construction. In particular, a two-component fabric with high resistance to cutting was shown, as well as elements of clothing made from it.
Representatives of the National Antarctic Science Center informed about the activities of Ukrainian scientists at the “Akademik Vernadskyi” station and organized an opportunity to look through a microscope at real Antarctic bacteria, as well as to see unique plants from this continent with their own eyes. There were other interactive demonstrations using microscopes, where attendees were able to look at the soil of the Botshad, as well as using an experiment to isolate and examine the DNA of a banana.
The employees of the Main Astronomical Observatory of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine conducted observations of the Sun through two different telescopes for everyone. Both instruments had special filters that made it possible to safely see sunspots and bulges.
Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry named after V.I. Vernadskyi of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine presented two types of materials developed on the basis of the institute.
Dielectric high-frequency materials and devices based on them used in communication and radar equipment in the centimeter and millimeter wavelength ranges, including narrow-band radio filters, generators based on dielectric resonators with low phase noise, dielectric antennas and waveguides. Heating elements are designed for accelerated start-up of diesel engines in the cold period of the year, which, thanks to their high chemical resistance, work in various environments, including engine oil and diesel fuel, and provide automatic maintenance of the set temperature regardless of the temperature of the environment and the supply voltage.
The Botsadu team presented original botanical illustrations, where details, shapes, and various shades of color are displayed with scientific accuracy (the author is research associate Nataliya Kushnir). Also, as part of the Day of Science in Ukraine, a charity exhibition-fair of cacti and succulents took place. Performances (songs, poems, Ukrainian folk and modern patriotic dances) of the artistic team of the “GrayZnay” children’s club, as well as the exhibition “Handmade” by students of school No. 133 of Pechersky district of Kyiv were organized for the guests.
As part of the event, young scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine were awarded certificates of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Council of Young Scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
So, the program of the Day of Science in Ukraine, filled with popular science events, implemented by the scientific youth of the Academy in cooperation with the National Botanical Garden named after M. M. Hryshka of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, contributed to a wider awareness of the research achievements of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and a visual presentation of innovative developments, and was also aimed at a young audience in order to instill in them interest and potential choice of a scientist as their future profession.
