On 14 May 2026, on the eve of Science Day, Sumy National Agrarian University hosted the final scientific and practical conference of the All-Ukrainian competition of student research papers in the field of ‘Landscape Design. The event traditionally brought together talented students, academic and teaching staff, and industry experts from various regions of Ukraine, serving as a platform for the presentation of contemporary scientific ideas, professional discussion, and support for the development of student research.
During the final conference, nine competition projects were presented, which, following a blind review, had been selected by the competition committee as the best and recommended for public defence. Participants in the competition included representatives from Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv named after O. M. Beketov, Poltava State Agrarian University, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University, and Sumy National Agrarian University.
The topics of the competition entries covered a wide range of current issues in horticulture and landscape design: the introduction and use of ornamental plants, vertical greening of the urban environment, biodiversity conservation, the redevelopment of park areas in the context of post-war reconstruction, assessment of the allergenic potential of urban plantings, the cultivation of planting stock for post-war greening, the use of bryophytes in horticulture and park management, as well as modern floristic technologies. Participants paid particular attention to issues of environmental sustainability, the adaptation of green spaces to contemporary challenges, and the role of greening in creating a comfortable and safe urban environment.
Professor Ihor KOVALENKO, Rector of Sumy National Agrarian University, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech, in which he emphasised the importance of supporting young researchers, developing student research and nurturing a new generation of specialists capable of responding professionally to contemporary challenges in the fields of greening, landscape design and environmental safety.
The competition panel comprised leading researchers and lecturers from institutions of higher education across Ukraine, ensuring a high professional standard in the assessment of competition entries, as well as impartiality and objectivity in selecting the winners.
It is a pleasure to note that the first-class diploma in the competition was awarded to the project by a fourth-year student specialising in ‘Landscape Design’, Sofia YAKOVENKO on the topic ‘A study of the influence of preservatives and methods of their application on the duration of the decorative life of cut flowers in floral arrangements’, supervised by Professor Tetiana MELNYK. The work was highly praised by the members of the competition panel due to the relevance of the topic, the practical value of the results and the high-quality scientific justification of the research conducted.
Another paper by representatives of Sumy National Agrarian University was also awarded a third-class diploma – ‘Agrotechnical principles for the cultivation of Quercus rubra L. planting stock for the post-war restoration of green spaces’, prepared by PhD candidate Ksenia ATORINA under the supervision of Associate Professor Volodymyr TOKMAN.
The competition once again confirmed the high standard of training among students specialising in ‘Landscape Design’, their interest in contemporary scientific issues, and their readiness to contribute to solving pressing environmental and urban planning challenges. In today climate, it is particularly important to support young researchers, create opportunities for professional exchange, and foster an environment in which promising ideas for the regeneration, greening, and sustainable development of Ukrainian cities and communities can flourish.
The organisers of the Competition would like to express their sincere gratitude to all participants, academic supervisors and members of the judging panel for their active participation, professional discussion and support for young science.
