On September 24, 2026, the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Innovative Approaches in the Technologies of Refractory Non-Metallic and Silicate Materials: Traditions, Experience, Future” was held online at the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”. The conference was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Department of Ceramic, Refractory, Glass, and Enamel Technologies.
The conference was an important scientific event that brought together researchers, faculty members, specialists, and industry representatives to discuss current trends in ceramic, refractory, glass, silicate, and composite materials technologies, exchange professional experience, and identify prospects for further cooperation.
The conference was attended by researchers and professionals from higher education institutions, research organizations, and industrial enterprises in Ukraine and abroad.
Among the participants were representatives of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies (Dnipro), O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv (Kharkiv), National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” (Kyiv), National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” (Kharkiv), Lviv Polytechnic National University (Lviv), Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding (Mykolaiv), Ukrainian State University of Railway Transport (Kharkiv), Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University (Kharkiv), National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine (Cherkasy), and Kazimierz Pułaski University of Radom (Radom, Poland).
The research component of the conference was represented by specialists from the Research Laboratory of the “Plinfa” enterprise (Kharkiv), the V. N. Bakul Institute for Superhard Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv), and the B. Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kharkiv).
The conference also brought together representatives of industrial enterprises from Ukraine and Germany, including PJSC “Kryvyi Rih Cement” (Kryvyi Rih), Rauschert GmbH (Germany), and Sollingglas Bau und Veredelungs GmbH & Co. KG (Derental, Germany).
Particular attention during the conference was devoted to the plenary presentations delivered by heads of related departments from leading higher education institutions in Ukraine.
The plenary speakers included:
Olena Yuriyivna Fedorenko — Head of the Department of Ceramic, Refractory, Glass, and Enamel Technologies, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, NTU “KhPI”, Kharkiv;
Oleksandr Viktorovych Zaichuk — Head of the Department of Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass, and Biomedical Materials, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, Dnipro;
Zenon Ivanovych Borovets — Head of the Department of Chemical Technology of Silicates, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv;
Oleksii Volodymyrovych Myroniuk — Head of the Department of Chemical Technology of Composite Materials, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Kyiv;
Viktoriia Yuriivna Tobilko — Head of the Department of Chemical Technology of Ceramics and Glass, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Kyiv;
Yuliia Oleksiivna Kazymyrenko — Head of the Department of Materials Science and Technology of Metals, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding, Mykolaiv;
Oksana Viktorivna Savvova — Head of the Department of Chemistry and Integrated Technologies, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv, Kharkiv.
In their presentations, the department heads outlined the main areas of scientific and educational activity of their academic teams, presented current research and technological developments, and highlighted promising directions for future development.
The plenary session provided an important platform for professional dialogue among related academic departments. The research areas, scientific developments, and experience presented by the participating universities demonstrated broad opportunities for future inter-university cooperation, joint scientific and educational projects, professional exchange, engagement of students in research activities, and the development of academic partnerships.
The conference carried particular symbolic significance as it was held in the year marking the 100th anniversary of the Department of Ceramic, Refractory, Glass, and Enamel Technologies at NTU “KhPI.” Over the course of its century-long history, the Department has developed strong scientific and educational traditions, made a significant contribution to the advancement of refractory non-metallic and silicate materials technologies, and continues to evolve in response to contemporary challenges in science, education, and industry.
The conference demonstrated that traditions, scientific experience, and innovative approaches provide a strong foundation for creating new opportunities and shaping a shared future.
Conference Highlights