At I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University in Ukraine, master’s student Anna Brodarska is working with a newly commissioned liquid chromatograph—an advanced scientific instrument that will play a central role in her future PhD research on chromatography. The new equipment represents a major leap in technical modernization for the university, benefiting both chemistry and biology students. It enables the analysis of pharmaceuticals and food products, an important capability for the port city of Odesa. The chromatograph was procured under the “Ukraine Improving Higher Education for Results Project” (UIHERP), a joint initiative by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the World Bank aimed at upgrading outdated laboratory facilities and strengthening research capacity across universities.
Ukraine’s higher education sector has long faced challenges from outdated infrastructure and obsolete teaching tools, issues worsened by the ongoing war, which has destroyed numerous educational and research buildings. To address these gaps, the World Bank has invested $200 million in modernizing Ukrainian universities through UIHERP. So far, $3.3 million worth of laboratory equipment—ranging from chromatographs and spectrophotometers to centrifuges, thermal cyclers, and digital systems—has been delivered to 43 universities, benefiting nearly 103,000 students. Notably, Karazin University in Kharkiv has launched Eastern Europe’s first robotic bioprinter, a breakthrough tool that allows students and researchers to create implants and tissue equivalents such as skin, cornea, bone, and cartilage. These innovations mark a significant step forward for medical bioengineering and demonstrate the growing global competitiveness of Ukrainian universities.
The UIHERP project also prioritizes supporting women in STEM disciplines, helping female students gain both practical and theoretical expertise while encouraging them to conduct original research and publish scientific papers. This effort reflects Ukraine’s broader goal of fostering a new generation of skilled researchers who can contribute to national recovery and scientific advancement.
Despite the challenges posed by ongoing conflict, education in Ukraine continues to adapt and thrive through rapid digitalization. Since the start of the invasion in February 2022, the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment has conducted multiple large-scale, computer-based exams even amid air raid sirens and shelling. Thanks to digital infrastructure supported by UIHERP—including server equipment, multimedia systems, and online platforms—students have been able to take exams safely from shelters or remotely. This digital shift has been especially crucial for applicants from occupied territories or those displaced by war. In 2025 alone, nearly 290,000 students participated in national entrance tests for bachelor’s programs, while over 156,000 took exams for master’s and postgraduate admissions.
The transition to digital testing, supported by 33 European partner countries, has standardized admissions, improved transparency, and eased educators’ workloads through automated scoring systems. According to Svitlana Sakaieva, Director of the Kyiv Regional Center for Educational Quality Assessment, electronic exams have ensured fairness, equal access, and efficiency. Beyond exams, digitalization supports distance learning, secure data management, and remote collaboration—critical for universities operating under martial law.
Through modernization, digital transformation, and inclusive educational practices, Ukrainian universities are building resilience and aligning with global academic standards. These investments are strengthening research, fostering innovation, and laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven recovery that will help rebuild the nation’s future.
