The All-Ukrainian Conference of Young Scientists in History and Archaeology was held at KSU.
On May 21, at Kherson State University, the IX All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Conference of Young Scientists «Current Problems of History and Archaeology: Regional and Global Dimensions» was held.
The organizer of the event was the Department of History, Archaeology and Teaching Methodology of KSU. The meeting was moderated by second-year PhD student Denys Skrypnyk.
The theme of modern research is closely intertwined with the tragic and heroic pages of Ukrainian history — from the Holodomor to the realities of contemporary Russian aggression.
KSU First Vice-Rector Serhii Omelchuk noted the wide geography of the conference participants and emphasized that those present included not only young historians but also representatives of other educational programs.
«Today's conference demonstrates the interest and involvement of higher education students and young scientists from other universities. This indicates that historiographical, historical science is acquiring a somewhat different trending theme today. We are used to imagining this science as a science of memory, of what happened in the past. But today's events, in which we find ourselves, testify that it is not just a science of memory, but also about social resilience, identity, and the reimagining of modern war and colonial experience. This is highlighted by the theme of your reports», — he noted.
Serhii Omelchuk also emphasized that in 2022, it was KSU historians who effectively shaped the Ukrainian humanitarian trend by initiating research into the history of resistance. According to him, wherever KSU Rector Oleksandr Spivakovsky may be, he always presents the monographic research of the scientists from the Department of History, Archaeology and Teaching Methodology as a priceless intellectual contribution of Kherson State University.
Nadiia Ryzheva, Head of the Department of History at the V. O. Sukhomlynskyi Educational-Scientific Pedagogical Institute of the Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding, who is a co-organizer of the conference, also joined the greetings.
She thanked for the opportunity to cooperate and noted that the powerful strength and energy demonstrated by young scientists allow us to understand how diverse young Ukrainian science is today.
«The projection of war allows us to realize that the history of Ukraine, the history of Ukrainian science are very different. It is precisely thanks to the accents that young people are setting today that we understand that history — is not only about the past, but also a projection into the future.
Our young scientists are adopting the best practices, creating new scientific potentials that will allow for the reimagining of the present in the realities of the future and preserve those layers of scientific achievements created by esteemed scientists.
The strength and potential presented today we will nurture together, and we count on the fact that in the and the future, youth will unite even more to create science — specifically historical science in all its diversity», — emphasized Nadiia Ryzheva.
The speech of Irina Shaposhnykova, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, History and Sociology of KSU, drew particular attention from the participants, as she emphasized the importance of historical science in the conditions of war.
«This year's scientific forum is special and is something much greater than just an academic event or a platform for discussion. Because this conference today — is a manifesto of our resilience, a symbol that Ukrainian science, intellect, and spirit cannot be occupied, closed, much less destroyed.
We are holding this meeting under the auspices of Kherson State University — an institution with over a century of history, whose heart beats in the south, but whose temporary home today is here — in western Ukraine, in Ivano-Frankivsk. KSU has gone through the crucible of occupation, stood firm, relocated, and not only preserved its potential but also became an example of academic heroism.
Being hundreds of kilometers away from its native classrooms, the university continues to teach, research, and unite around itself the intellectual elite of Ukraine.
History and archaeology today — are our humanitarian weapon. In times when the enemy tries to falsify our past, erase our identity, and destroy archaeological heritage in occupied territories, our research work becomes an act of cultural resistance. Every source-based discovery of yours, every analyzed artifact or historical process — is a brick in the foundation of our righteousness before the whole world.
The name of our conference is very symbolic — regional and global dimension. The regional dimension — is our pain and our pride. It is the history of our Ukrainian south, our Black Sea region, our native Kherson region, which today bleeds under shelling but still holds on.
The global dimension — is Ukraine's place in the world historical context. Today, the whole world is looking at Ukraine, and it is you, young scientists, who must explain to the world the deep historical preconditions of our struggle for freedom.
Thank you to the Prykarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk for their hospitality. This bridge between the south and the west, built by Kherson and KSU, is the best proof of our unity.
Dear young colleagues, ahead of you await sectional meetings, lively discussions, and exchange of ideas. Do not be afraid to ask sharp questions, seek non-standard approaches, and defend your scientific hypotheses. It is you who hold the future of Ukrainian historical science, which will have to write the history of our modern victory.
I wish everyone productive work and interesting reports. And most importantly — the fastest victorious peace for our Ukraine and the return of Kherson State University to its native walls under a peaceful Ukrainian sky».
Natalya Kuzovova, Head of the Department of History, Archaeology and Teaching Methodology, congratulated the conference participants and emphasized that this year's scientific forum united researchers of different levels and stages of scientific development — from students and PhD students to young scientists who are already actively working in the scientific space of Ukraine.
She noted that the department is sincerely pleased with the successes of young scientists and their interest in historical and archaeological research, especially since the themes of the reports are relevant, meet the challenges of modern times, and demonstrate the desire of the youth to comprehend both the historical past and current social processes.
Natalya Kuzovova also wished the participants productive work, interesting discussions, new scientific ideas, and further success in their research activities.
Subsequently, the conference participants proceeded to plenary sessions and sectional work, where they discussed current problems of history, archaeology, historiography, cultural heritage, and modern challenges for the humanities in the conditions of war.
KSU Press Center