On September 11, 2025, Kyiv Polytechnic Institute welcomed a visit from the distinguished biologist, President of the Royal Society of London, Nobel Prize winner in Physiology and Medicine, and UNITED24 ambassador Sir Paul Nurse, who gave a lecture entitled “Science as a Revolution” as part of the 5th Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen.
The main audience included students of various courses and specialties, administration, teachers, scientists of Igor Sikorsky KPI, as well as invited guests — Oleksandr Kornienko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Igor Sikorsky KPI, members of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine etc.
"For us, such a meeting is a powerful symbol, a reminder of our commitment to high standards of education and science, as well as our desire to make discoveries that will serve humanity. Kyiv Polytechnic strives to be not only an educational institution, but also an active participant in the international scientific community", - said Anatolii Melnychenko, Rector of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
It is important to note that Sir Paul North began his lecture with admiration and sincere support for our country: "I am delighted to come to Ukraine and this wonderful university to give a speech. I am here to express my solidarity with Ukraine. You are going through a difficult and stressful period. I am sure that any support is important to you today. That is why I am here to show that you have not been forgotten!"
In his lecture, the Nobel laureate spoke about the development of scientific processes from prehistoric times to the present day, discussed how science works, how scientific knowledge develops, and what transformations have the greatest impact on the development of science.
The main focus of the lecture was on the fact that it is science, in interaction with society, that is capable of creating both breakthrough discoveries that improve the lives of humanity and destructive technologies and deadly weapons that threaten the very existence of humanity.
"Science is the longest-lasting revolutionary activity known to mankind. As a result, it has a long-term impact on society, acting as the main driver of culture and civilization, as well as, of course, changes in our way of life."
Particular attention was paid to the democratization of education, its role in shaping conscious citizens and the development of a society capable of effectively using scientific knowledge for progress.
“An effective scientific community must be interactive, open to cooperation, and encourage the process of constantly rethinking data, ideas, and hypotheses. After all, in science, it is the power of evidence and arguments that is decisive, not the hierarchical authority of individual scientists.”
Students at Kyiv Polytechnic University not only heard a lecture on the experience of a world leader, but also took part in an open dialogue with Sir Paul Nurse. In particular, questions were asked of the Nobel laureate about the role of education and science in a period of global transformation and the development of the potential of Ukrainian science. Students also had a unique opportunity to receive advice on how young researchers can grow and form their own scientific identity.
"Science is really interesting. It is a privilege to study science, conduct research, and follow your curiosity throughout your life. It is a wonderful profession if you have a passion for science — this is critically important, without it nothing will work out. It is important to be smart, resourceful, but above all — to be enthusiastic about this work. Scientists discover aspects of the natural world and find solutions that help humanity. And for those who choose this path, there will always be a place for them anywhere."
About the speaker:
Sir Paul Nurse is President of the Royal Society of London, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, an eminent biologist and scientific leader who has made outstanding contributions to research on the cell cycle. As the head of one of the world's leading scientific institutions, he advocates for the role of science in addressing global challenges and shaping evidence-based policy. Sir Paul Nurse is an ambassador for UNITED24.
