The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine's Named Scholarships for Young Doctors of Science provide financial support to early-career researchers and create opportunities and incentives for conducting scientific research in Ukraine within the country's priority areas of science and technology development. In 2025, among the 47 young researchers awarded these prestigious monthly scholarships by the state were two young scientists from Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
One of the recipients was Heorhii Vasyliev, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of Electrochemical Production Technology at the Faculty of Chemical Technology. His research focuses on developing technologies for the corrosion-safe operation of heating and hot water supply systems within municipal infrastructure—a field that directly affects the comfort and safety of millions of people across Ukraine.
As the researcher explains, the project aims to develop an ultrasonic protection device for heat exchange equipment that reduces both corrosion and scale formation. The proposed approach relies on ultrasonic vibration to modify the surface layers of metal, thereby simultaneously mitigating corrosion processes and slowing the accumulation of mineral deposits. The project includes the development of a prototype device followed by comprehensive laboratory testing.
The practical significance of this research is difficult to overstate. Ukraine's heating infrastructure includes tens of thousands of boiler houses and thousands of kilometers of district heating networks. Corrosion and scale buildup are among the leading causes of energy losses and premature equipment failure. According to experts, the proposed technology has the potential to improve heat transfer efficiency, reduce energy consumption, extend the service life of heating equipment, and minimize the risk of system failures. Ultimately, these advances could contribute to a more reliable municipal heating infrastructure and significant resource savings at the national level.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Professor Vasyliev says, "My career at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute has developed step by step—from student to Associate Professor, and, since 2025, Professor of the Department of Electrochemical Production Technology. In 2023, I defended my Doctor of Technical Sciences dissertation at the age of 34. Since then, I have broadened the scope of my research, focusing on the promising field of additive electrochemical manufacturing. Today, I am working on the development of an electrochemical 3D printer for industrial applications while supervising PhD candidates who represent the next generation of engineering researchers."
An important milestone in Professor Vasyliev's professional development was his involvement in the university's Research Department, followed by participation in international projects, including the Erasmus+ Open4UA initiative. "This experience opened opportunities for cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine," he explains. "Today, I am part of the team working on the transformation of the country's research and innovation system. Our key priorities include the state attestation of research institutions and higher education institutions, improving the national research funding system, and developing a national researcher information system."
"My experience as a researcher has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges scientists face every day," Professor Vasyliev says. "That is why my motivation is not only to develop new technologies but also to help create the conditions in which science can thrive. This means building an environment that supports researchers' success and facilitates the transfer of their innovations into industrial practice."
Looking ahead, Professor Vasyliev envisions his career at the intersection of science, higher education, and public policy. He believes that fostering innovation, supporting researchers, and promoting the adoption of advanced technologies should become key pillars of Ukraine's reconstruction and the development of a high-value, knowledge-based economy.