Scientist and organizer of engineering education
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The National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute"
2024
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System research and information technologies| _version_ | 1867334449510744064 |
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| author | Pankratova, Nataliya |
| author_facet | Pankratova, Nataliya |
| author_institution_txt_mv | [
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"author": "Nataliya Pankratova",
"institution": "Educational and Research Institute for Applied System Analysis of the National Technical University of Ukraine \"Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute\", Kyiv"
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| author_sort | Pankratova, Nataliya |
| baseUrl_str | http://journal.iasa.kpi.ua/oai |
| collection | OJS |
| datestamp_date | 2025-02-09T21:55:38Z |
| first_indexed | 2025-07-17T10:28:42Z |
| format | Article |
| fulltext |
Publisher IASA at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, 2024
Системні дослідження та інформаційні технології, 2024, № 4 7
TIДC
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 75th ANNIVERSARY
OF NAS ACADEMICIAN M.Z. ZGUROVSKY
SCIENTIST AND ORGANIZER OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION
N.D. PANKRATOVA
On January 30, 2025, the renowned Ukrainian scientist, expert in the fields of cy-
bernetics, systems analysis, decision theory, three-time laureate of the State Prize
of Ukraine in Science and Technology (1990, 1999, 2005), Honored Scientist of
Ukraine (2000), Full Cavalier of the Order of Merit (1996, 1998, 2005), laureate
of NASU prizes named after V.M. Glushkov (1995), V.S. Mikhalevich (2004),
and S.O. Lebedev (2019), Honorary Doctor of the NASU (2020), Doctor of
Technical Sciences (1984), Professor (1985), Academician of the NASU (1995),
Academician of the NAPS (1995), and Foreign Corresponding Member of the
Austrian Academy of Sciences (2022), Mykhailo Zakharovych Zgurovsky, cele-
brates his 75th anniversary.
Mykhailo Zakharovych Zgurovsky was born in Skala-Podilska town,
Borshchiv District, Ternopil Oblast. In 1975, he graduated from Kyiv Polytechnic
Institute (now the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv
Polytechnic Institute" — KPI) with a degree in Automated Control Systems. He
defended his Candidate of Sciences dissertation, "Optimal Discrete Control of a
Class of Distributed Processes of Nonstationary Heat Exchange," in 1979, and his
Doctoral dissertation, "Automated Design and Optimal Control of Nonstationary
Processes and Fields under Uncertainty," in 1984. In 1987, he became a Professor
at the Department of Technical Cybernetics at KPI. From 1988 to 1992, he served
as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, and from 1992 to 2024, he was the Rector
of Kyiv Polytechnic.
In 1996, Zgurovsky founded and, until 2015, directed the Institute for Ap-
plied System Analysis (IASA) under the Ministry of Education and Science of
Ukraine and the NASU. Since 2015, he has served as its Scientific Director. From
1994 to 1999, he was the Minister of Education of Ukraine.
By his anniversary, Mykhailo Zakharovych Zgurovsky has made a signifi-
cant contribution to science, education, and public life. In the realm of science,
M.Z. Zgurovsky has generalized the fundamental principles of systems analysis,
laid the foundation for systemic mathematics, and proposed a new approach to the
theory of extremal problems for nonlinear operator, differential-operator equa-
tions, inclusions, and variational inequalities. The most prominent applications of
his scientific research are in the fields of mathematical geophysics and geoinfor-
matics, contributing to solving the socio-economic challenges of modern society.
While serving as the Minister of Education of Ukraine, M.Z. Zgurovsky con-
tinued the work initiated by P.M. Talanchuk, the first Minister of Education of
independent Ukraine. He implemented the core principles of the State National
N.D. Pankratova
ISSN 1681–6048 System Research & Information Technologies, 2024, № 4 8
Program "Education" ("Ukraine in the 21st Century"), which was approved
by the First All-Ukrainian Congress of Education Workers in December 1992.
Under Minister Zgurovsky leadership, a comprehensive legislative framework for
Ukraine's education system was developed.
A new generation of Ukrainian-language textbooks was created, and the
concept of humanitarian education in Ukraine was introduced. He established an
accreditation system for higher education institutions, with its permanent collegial
body—the State Accreditation Commission of Ukraine (a predecessor of the
current National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (NAQA)).
The structure of educational fields and specialties in higher education was aligned
with the needs of the economy and society of the newly independent state.
For the first time, a mandatory entrance exam in the Ukrainian language was
introduced in higher education institutions. Many other significant initiatives were
implemented, all aimed at developing the human capital of an independent
Ukraine.
Upon assuming the role of Rector of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Insti-
tute (KPI), Mykhailo Zgurovsky developed a new vision for its further develop-
ment. His concept focused on transforming the institution from a large polytech-
nic institute of the Soviet-era centralized economy into a European-style technical
university, characterized by universal and broad-oriented training to meet the
evolving needs of society. Today, KPI consistently ranks among the top 4% of
universities worldwide according to various international rankings.
To achieve this transformation and address the demands of the newly inde-
pendent Ukraine, new faculties and institutes were established, new departments
were created, and over 150 new specialties and specializations were introduced.
Significant reforms were implemented to facilitate KPI’s integration into the
European educational and research space.
During his 32-year tenure as Rector, Mykhailo Zghurovsky was guided by
core principles he articulated in an interview: "Always remember that I come from
KPI and owe my development and growth to it. Therefore, under any circum-
stances or position, I must work for its advancement and prestige, support and
protect my colleagues at my alma mater; respect the honor and dignity of every
person, regardless of their social status or position, and strive to understand the
perspective of everyone who approaches the Rector; affirm respect and reverence
for veterans and seniors, who created everything the university has today and are
carriers of wisdom and unique experience for the new generation; inherit the best
practices for KPI from my predecessors; see in every student a talented individual
and in every staff member a like-minded colleague and ally; be grateful for ac-
complishments and capable of forgiving mistakes and weaknesses."
Thanks to Zgurovsky’s energy, his scientific talent, and his leadership as an
organizer of engineering education, KPI was granted the status of a National
Technical University in 1995. In 2007, it became the first Ukrainian university to
be recognized as a research university, leveraging the integration of education,
science, and innovation within the powerful innovation ecosystem Sikorsky Chal-
lenge, which he established.
The KPI research university model is based on refining mechanisms for
modern integration of science, education, and innovation. This approach empha-
sizes preparing highly qualified researchers and specialists for knowledge-
Scientist and organizer of engineering education
Системні дослідження та інформаційні технології, 2024, № 4 9
intensive industries in Ukraine’s economy, fostering innovation activities in mar-
ket conditions through the university's scientific and technological parks, and
promoting a knowledge-based economy. The foundation of this model has always
been the synergy of experience and energy from both seasoned and young educa-
tors and researchers.
It is worth noting that during Ukraine’s independence, KPI effectively be-
came a laboratory for developing and drafting key documents on education. These
include Ukraine’s laws "On Education," "On Higher Education," "On the
Scientific Park 'Kyiv Polytechnic,'" "On Scientific Parks," and "On the Ba-
sic Principles of Information Society Development in Ukraine for 2007–
2015", along with numerous government resolutions and decisions by the Minis-
try of Education and Science. KPI was one of the first universities in Ukraine to
sign the Magna Charta Universitatum. It was an active participant in introduc-
ing the Bologna Process in Ukraine and played a leading role in organizing and
participating in numerous international conferences on reforming higher educa-
tion and harmonizing it with the European educational system.
The transformation of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) into a
research university was just one, albeit undoubtedly a key, project among dozens
of initiatives proposed and implemented by Mykhailo Zgurovsky during his ten-
ure as Rector of Kyiv Polytechnic. Among the achievements initiated and suc-
cessfully realized under his leadership are the following:
Establishment of 11 new faculties and educational-scientific institutes, as
well as over 50 new departments to meet the modern needs of Ukraine's economy
and society.
Development and expansion of the scientific-educational information and
communication network "Uran" and its integration into the European GEANT
network.
Creation of the university's supercomputer center.
Establishment of the World Data Center for Geoinformatics and Sus-
tainable Development, as part of the global network of World Data Centers.
Creation of Ukraine's first State Polytechnic Museum.
Establishment and development of the Sikorsky Challenge innovation
ecosystem, based on the Law of Ukraine "On the Scientific Park 'Kyiv Poly-
technic.'"
Initiation of the educational and scientific complex "Institute for Ap-
plied System Analysis" (IASA) in cooperation with the National Academy of
Sciences of Ukraine (NASU).
Creation of the Institute of Advanced Defense Technologies.
Establishment of the KPI Alumni Association.
Under the leadership of Rector Mykhailo Zgurovsky and with his direct in-
volvement as the architect of every project, the university underwent significant
physical and cultural transformations. These changes reflect the finest traditions
of leading European and global universities. KPI restored its unique spirit of aca-
demic excellence, scientific achievements, and proud affiliation with its illustrious
history.
Numerous unique symbols of the university were created or restored, becom-
ing its pride: the Hall of the Academic Council, the Polytechnic Museum, KPI’s
N.D. Pankratova
ISSN 1681–6048 System Research & Information Technologies, 2024, № 4 10
famous park, monuments to distinguished polytechnicians whose discoveries
changed the world, the Grand Physics and Grand Chemistry Auditoriums,
Knowledge Square, art galleries, commemorative plaques, the Foucault pendu-
lum, the university church, two stadiums, numerous new parks, and the clock
tower on the main building. A special place belongs to the memorial complexes
dedicated to Kyiv Polytechnic students and faculty who gave their lives for
Ukraine’s freedom and independence. These symbolic landmarks are a profound
tribute to the university's remarkable history.
Particular attention was given to the extensive reconstruction of a significant
portion of the university’s academic buildings and dormitories, many of which
were in disrepair in the early 1990s. Thanks to meticulous efforts, these facilities
were restored, revitalized, and adapted to meet modern requirements.
Today, this legacy not only reflects the grandeur of the past but also inspires
new generations with pride in the great accomplishments of their predecessors. It
surrounds the KPI community with a unique atmosphere: the spirit of university
tradition, academic excellence, a sense of belonging to a rich history, and motiva-
tion for new achievements worthy of the outstanding contributions of previous
generations.
It is important to emphasize that Mykhailo Zgurovsky has consistently pri-
oritized the retention of experienced and highly qualified academic and scientific
staff in his personnel policy while also attracting talented young professionals.
This approach ensures the university's continued development and the preserva-
tion of its finest traditions.
The collaboration between Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI)
and the scientific institutions of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
(NASU) has deep historical roots. Many of the founding scientists of KPI were
directly involved in the establishment and development of the Ukrainian Acad-
emy of Sciences. For instance, Stepan Prokopovych Tymoshenko, Dean of the
Mechanical and Engineering Faculties of KPI, formed the first Mechanics De-
partment of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, organizing what is now the Insti-
tute of Mechanics of NASU, named in his honor. Another notable example is the
distinguished KPI scientist Yevhen Paton, who founded the Institute of Electric
Welding. Renowned academicians such as H.S. Pysarenko, S.V. Sorensen, K.K.
Syminsky, and many others combined their work at KPI with leadership roles in
academic institutes.
Mykhailo Zgurovsky actively supports these traditions. At his invitation,
prominent scientists such as Academician V.G. Baryakhtar (founding Dean of the
Faculty of Physics and Mathematics), Academician I.M. Kovalenko (founding
Dean of the Faculty of Applied Mathematics), and other esteemed mathematicians
and physicists like Academicians A.M. Samoilenko, I.V. Skrypnyk, V.M. Loktev,
S.M. Dovgy, materials scientist Academician I.V. Kryvtsun (a disciple of B.Ye.
Paton), renowned cyberneticist Academician V.S. Deineka, and many others have
actively worked and taught at KPI.
Reflecting on the future of education, Mykhailo Zgurovsky recognized the
need to reorient the university's activities toward a more fundamental approach to
education, moving away from a narrowly technical focus. This fundamental ap-
proach has been inherent to KPI throughout its history, emphasizing the insepara-
ble connection between education, scientific research, and the practical applica-
Scientist and organizer of engineering education
Системні дослідження та інформаційні технології, 2024, № 4 11
tion of results. It is this emphasis on fundamental education that once secured
global leadership for the developments of former students who later became
world-renowned scientists and engineers. The same approach underpins the nu-
merous victories of current KPI students in international competitions in mathe-
matics, programming, and cybersecurity.
Under the scientific leadership of Mykhailo Zgurovsky, the Institute for
Applied System Analysis (IASA) of NASU and the Ministry of Education and
Science of Ukraine, as well as the World Data Center for Geoinformatics and
Sustainable Development, were established in Ukraine. The latter specializes in
geoinformatics, focusing on global modeling of sustainable development proc-
esses and assessing global threats to human security and quality of life.
IASA was established in 1997 by a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of
Ukraine as part of the Cybernetics Center of NASU. Its dual subordination re-
flects the implementation of the concept of integrating science and education.
IASA conducts cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in developing
methodologies for systems analysis of complex interconnected objects and proc-
esses of social, economic, ecological, and technological nature.
The institute develops methods for forecasting and predicting the behavior of
complex systems under multi-factor risks, decision-making in such systems with
conflicting objectives, and uncertainty or insufficient initial information. It also
advances the theory of optimal control, differential games, nonlinear analysis,
optimization, the theory of infinite-dimensional dynamic systems, methods for
evaluating and managing nonlinear distributed parameter systems, and the analy-
sis of controlled Markov processes. Furthermore, it develops the theory of infor-
mation-analytical systems, methods for managing large databases, and strategies
for ensuring the guaranteed functionality of cyber-physical systems, including the
support of digital twins.
The platform for solving this class of problems is a new research direction
proposed by Mykhailo Zgurovsky, known as "system mathematics." This direc-
tion represents a set of interrelated branches of mathematics (both classical and
newly developed) that enable solving modern interdisciplinary problems of vari-
ous natures. By applying system mathematics, the Institute, under Zgurovsky's
leadership, has achieved fundamental results in the field of global modeling of
sustainable development processes in the context of quality and safety of human
life, analysis of global threats, and systemic studies of control problems for com-
plex and hybrid systems.
In applied research, tools for technology foresight and scenario analysis
have been developed in the form of an advanced information platform. This plat-
form integrates mathematical, software, logical, and organizational tools, allow-
ing for the sequencing of qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, establish-
ing relationships between them, and ensuring the process of building future event
scenarios. In practical terms, the research outcomes have been applied to address
numerous challenges in the development of Ukraine's economy.
The Institute for Applied System Analysis (IASA) actively collaborates
with NASU research departments, including the Divisions of Informatics,
Mathematics, Mechanics and Machine Science, Physics and Astronomy, Materi-
als Science, Energy and Energy Technologies, Earth Sciences, and Economics, as
well as other NASU structures and many higher education institutions. It is worth
N.D. Pankratova
ISSN 1681–6048 System Research & Information Technologies, 2024, № 4 12
emphasizing that the fundamental and applied research and developments at
IASA are conducted, as intended at its establishment, in conjunction with the
educational process and the preparation of highly qualified young professionals.
In response to contemporary challenges, Mykhailo Zgurovsky proposes a
new paradigm in science and education based on general trends such as interdis-
ciplinarity, human-centered approaches, sustainability, responsibility and ethics,
and the comprehensive use of Industry 4.0 core technologies.
Zgurovsky argues that the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 signi-
fies not only technological shifts but also a rethinking of the human role in society
and industrial production. He emphasizes sustainable human development and the
creation of new societal values. This, in turn, imposes new demands on the econ-
omy, industry, and society, as well as on scientific research and the training of
specialists in system analysis, intelligent service-oriented distributed computing,
and artificial intelligence systems and methods.
In response to the challenges mentioned above, Mykhailo Zgurovsky initi-
ated profound reforms in the educational and research activities of IASA, based
on the following principles:
Human-centered innovation: The new economic model places humans
and their needs at the center of innovation processes. Industry 5.0 highlights the
importance of harmonious collaboration between humans and technology, requir-
ing greater consideration of human needs, ethical issues, and social responsibility
when developing technological solutions.
Interdisciplinary approach: Workforce training and scientific research
must address not only the rapid development of technologies but also the com-
plexity and multidimensionality of demands from the economy and society. Inte-
grating an interdisciplinary approach into the system of science and education is
essential to prepare specialists capable of solving complex problems.
Broad integration of advanced technologies: The economy and society
in the Industry 5.0 era will demand extensive integration of system analysis, arti-
ficial intelligence, distributed computing, and cyber-physical systems across all
areas of life. Key aspects include technology interoperability, cybersecurity,
adaptability to change, and adherence to ethical standards.
Competence development: Training programs should focus on develop-
ing competencies such as the analysis of complex adaptive systems, intelligent
data analysis, the design of resilient and secure cyber-physical systems, and en-
suring interoperability between various technologies.
Scientific Achievements and Legacy: Within Zgurovsky's scientific
school, 16 doctoral and over 40 candidate theses have been completed. He is the
author of 52 inventions and has authored or co-authored more than 1,000 scien-
tific works, including 45 monographs and textbooks published in Ukraine, Japan,
Poland, China, Germany, and other countries worldwide. These accomplishments
highlight Mykhailo Zgurovsky's enduring contributions to science, education, and
societal development, positioning IASA as a leading institution in addressing
modern challenges and fostering innovation.
Under the leadership of Academician Mykhailo Zgurovsky, significant work
has been carried out in the analysis and scenario planning of sustainable devel-
opment for regions of Ukraine in the context of human quality of life and safety.
The aim of this work is to enhance the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of
Scientist and organizer of engineering education
Системні дослідження та інформаційні технології, 2024, № 4 13
analytical and informational support for decision-making processes (in the form
of medium- and long-term strategies and sequences of actions by authorities).
These efforts focus on ensuring the sustainable development of individual regions
and Ukraine as a whole, viewed as complex socio-economic systems. This is
achieved by developing new and improving existing methods of systems analysis,
big data intelligence, forecasting, scenario planning, and management.
The Institute for Applied System Analysis (IASA) publishes the interna-
tional scientific journal "System Research and Information Technologies," with
Mykhailo Zgurovsky serving as its Editor-in-Chief. On Zgurovsky’s initiative,
IASA organizes and co-organizes numerous scientific conferences and seminars.
Notably, it hosts the annual International Scientific and Practical Conference on
Systems Analysis and Intelligent Computing.
Mykhailo Zgurovsky is extensively involved in public activities. He is
a member of numerous Ukrainian and international scientific societies, the na-
tional representative of Ukraine at the International Science Council (ISC, Paris,
France), a member of the Honorary Council of the Order of Saint Panteleimon,
and the Chair of the Ukrainian Peace Council. In recent years, his public efforts
have focused on consolidating international organizations and prominent figures
in education, science, and culture from various countries to achieve a just peace
for Ukraine.
Zgurovsky has been a co-organizer and participant in key international
events, including the UN Seminar on Environmental Security During War
and Armed Conflicts (November 6, 2024, New York), the Second Summit on
Partnership and Veterans’ Health (European Parliament, October 29–30,
Brussels, Belgium), and the International Conference "Europe and Ukraine:
Shared Perspectives and Values" held at the Austrian Institute for European and
Security Policy (December 13, 2024, Vienna, Austria), among others.
For his achievements in science, education, and fostering international coop-
eration, Mykhailo Zgurovsky has been awarded numerous state honors from
Ukraine (he is a Full Cavalier of the Order of Merit), as well as from Italy, Esto-
nia, Vietnam, Poland, France, Japan, and China.
The scientific community, colleagues, and students extend their heartfelt
congratulations to Mykhailo Zgurovsky on his milestone anniversary, wishing
him active longevity, boundless inspiration, and new achievements for the benefit
of his homeland.
Received 20.12.2024
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| spelling | journaliasakpiua-article-3225842025-02-09T21:55:38Z Scientist and organizer of engineering education Scientist and organizer of engineering education Pankratova, Nataliya The National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" 2024-12-25 Article Article Peer-reviewed Article application/pdf https://journal.iasa.kpi.ua/article/view/322584 System research and information technologies; No. 4 (2024); 7-13 Системные исследования и информационные технологии; № 4 (2024); 7-13 Системні дослідження та інформаційні технології; № 4 (2024); 7-13 2308-8893 1681-6048 en https://journal.iasa.kpi.ua/article/view/322584/312959 |
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| title_full_unstemmed | Scientist and organizer of engineering education |
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