A student undertaking an internship at the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Transformation of the Institute successfully presented the results of her research at the XXII International Scientific Conference for Students and Postgraduates “Youth and Progress of Biology,” dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Department of Microbiology of the Faculty of Biology at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, held on April 15–17, 2026.

Within the section “Molecular and Cellular Biology,” Sofia Lytvyn delivered an oral presentation. The topic of her research was “Dysregulation of B-cell differentiation transcription factors and CD47 expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.” The scientific supervisor of the work is Senior Researcher, PhD in Biological Sciences, Larysa Kovalevska.

According to the results of the competitive selection, Sofia Lytvyn’s presentation was awarded a Second Degree Diploma, which indicates the high scientific level of the research and its relevance.

We sincerely congratulate the awardee and her scientific supervisor on this significant achievement and wish them further success in their scientific endeavors!

On April 8–10, 2026, the XXIII International Scientific Conference of Young Scientists “Shevchenko Spring: Advances in Life Sciences” was held online. Despite the current challenges, this year’s event brought together representatives from more than 20 research institutions, organizations, and higher education establishments.

Students undergoing internships at the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular Biological Markers of Tumor Growth of the Institute delivered oral presentations at the conference. In particular, in the section “Biophysics, Bioinformatics and Genetics,” Anastasiia Levenets presented a report entitled “Clinical Significance of miR-203a-3p Expression in Prostate Cancer Patients.” In the section “Virology, Microbiology and Immunology,” Oksana Lakhno presented the results of her study “CXCL13 Expression in Breast Cancer Tissue.” In the section “Fundamental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Diagnostics,” Mariia Kossova delivered a presentation entitled “Expression of the LOX Gene in Prostate Cancer Tissue.” Within the section “Cytology, Histology, Embryology and Reproductive Medicine, Human Physiology,” Anastasiia Shevchuk presented her work “Expression Profile of Non-Coding RNA Involved in the Post-Transcriptional Regulation of MMP2 and MMP9 in Breast Cancer Cells of Different Malignancy Degrees,” while Mariia Kokoilo delivered a presentation entitled “MEP1B Protein Expression in Prostate Cancer: An Immunohistochemical Analysis.”

In addition, Sofiia Lytvyn, a student undertaking an internship at the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Transformation, participated in the conference and presented a report entitled “Changes in the Expression of STAT Transcription Factors in B Lymphocytes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia” (section “Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioengineering”).

Following the sessions, the program committee selected the winners of the best oral presentation competition:

• Anastasiia Levenets — First Prize Diploma (section “Biophysics, Bioinformatics and Genetics”)
• Oksana Lakhno — Second Prize Diploma (section “Virology, Microbiology and Immunology”)
• Mariia Kossova — Second Prize Diploma (section “Fundamental and Clinical Medicine, Laboratory Diagnostics”)
• Anastasiia Shevchuk — Second Prize Diploma (section “Cytology, Histology, Embryology and Reproductive Medicine, Human Physiology”)
• Mariia Kokoilo — Third Prize Diploma (section “Cytology, Histology, Embryology and Reproductive Medicine, Human Physiology”)

We sincerely congratulate the participants on their achievements and wish them continued success in their scientific endeavors!

On February 4, 2026, an online meeting of the cytology club “CELL CLUB” of the Department of Cytology, Histology, and Reproductive Medicine was held for first- and second-year students of the Educational and Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

Anastasiia Shevchuk, Engineer of the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular Biological Markers of Tumor Growth, delivered a presentation entitled “Histopathology Laboratory: The Path of a Biological Sample to Diagnosis.” In her lecture, she provided a detailed overview of the complete pathway of biological material in a histopathology laboratory—from tissue sampling in the operating room to the establishment of the final morphological diagnosis.

The speaker systematically outlined the main stages of laboratory sample processing, including fixation, tissue processing using an automated histoprocessor, paraffin embedding, microtomy, staining, and microscopic examination. Special attention was given to the role of the histology specialist in ensuring high-quality slide preparation, as the accuracy of morphological diagnosis largely depends on the proper handling and preparation of specimens.

The meeting generated considerable interest among students, who had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss practical aspects of histopathology laboratory work.

The Council of Young Scientists of the R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of the NAS of Ukraine sincerely congratulates Oleksandr Mushii, a postgraduate student of the Department of Tumor Process Monitoring and Therapy Design, on receiving a high distinction — a Certificate of Commendation from the Presidium of the NAS of Ukraine and the Council of Young Scientists of the NAS of Ukraine.

The award was granted for significant scientific achievements, active involvement in the development of youth science, and substantial contributions to the work of the scientific community.

The decision to grant the distinction was made by the Presidium of the NAS of Ukraine based on the submission of the Council of Young Scientists and the results of the evaluation of scientific accomplishments of young researchers of the Academy.

We wish Oleksandr continued achievements, scientific inspiration, and success in all professional initiatives!

By Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 130/2025-рп dated 27 November 2025, the results of the competition for the President of Ukraine’s Grants to support scientific research and developments by young scientists in 2026 were announced. Among the winners is Taras Zadvornyi, PhD, Senior Researcher of the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular-Biological Markers of Tumor Growth of the R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of the NAS of Ukraine.

The grant has been awarded for the implementation of the research project “Molecular and biological characteristics of prostate cancer with high metastatic potential”, aimed at identifying key markers of aggressive forms of prostate cancer and improving approaches to predicting metastatic progression.

Receiving the President of Ukraine’s Grant is significant recognition of the researcher’s scientific achievements and provides an opportunity not only to continue work in the field of studying the prostate cancer microenvironment, but also to gain experience in conducting individual research projects.

During October–November 2025, young scientists of the R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of the NAS of Ukraine actively participated in two international scientific conferences, where they presented the results of their research and engaged in professional discussions on current issues in biology and oncology.

From 27 to 30 October 2025, the XX International Scientific Conference “Chargaff Readings” was held in Chernivtsi at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University in a hybrid format. The conference was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Chernivtsi National University and the 120th anniversary of the birth of Erwin Chargaff. Within the scientific program, young researchers of IEPOR presented studies on the effects of stress factors on tumor cell biology. Oral presentations were delivered by Anastasiia Shevchuk (Stress hormone–induced regulation of TGF-β–linked osteogenic and ECM-remodeling genes in LNCaP prostate cancer cells) and Tetiana Burda (Modeling chronic stress conditions in an in vitro system).

Young scientists also took an active part in the IV International Scientific and Practical Conference “Youth Science for Peace and Development”, held on 28–29 November 2025 in Chernivtsi. During the sectional sessions, oral presentations were delivered by Anastasiia Shevchuk (Glucocorticoid-induced metabolic alterations in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells) and Taras Zadvornyi (MEP1A expression in prostate cancer tissue), researchers of the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular-Biological Markers of Tumor Growth.

Participation in these international events enabled the Institute’s young scientists to share their research findings and gain valuable experience.

The Organizing Committee of the 10th Annual Science & Society Conference has announced the results of the scientific forum held in February 2025. According to the results, Oleksandr Mushii, Junior Research Fellow at the Department of Tumor Process Monitoring and Therapy Design and a PhD student, was named the winner in the “TOP Poster Awards” category.

The award was given for his poster presentation titled “The relationship between a-SMA expression and the clinical status of patients and features of the breast cancer collagen matrix.” You can view the poster at the following link: www.beyondsciences.org

We sincerely congratulate Oleksandr on this well-deserved recognition and wish him continued scientific achievements and professional growth!

We would also like to remind you that the annual Science & Society Conference is organized as part of the activities of the Beyond Sciences Initiative (BSI) — a non-profit international consortium established to promote intercultural dialogue, mentorship, and scientific collaboration among young researchers from around the world.

The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has announced the results of its competition for research projects by young scientists, aimed at supporting the initiatives of promising researchers working within the Academy’s institutions.

Among the winners is the project titled “The role of meprins in modulating the stromal microenvironment of prostate cancer,” led by Taras Zadvornyi, PhD in Biology and Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular-Biological Markers of Tumor Growth. The project team also includes Tetiana Burda, Engineer at the same department, and Oleksandr Mushii, Junior Research Fellow at the Department of Tumor Process Monitoring and Therapy Design and PhD student.

The research focuses on studying the expression features of meprins in prostate cancer tissue. Meprins are multidomain endopeptidases belonging to the astacin family of zinc metalloproteinases that play an important role in remodeling the extracellular matrix. In particular, they stimulate the assembly and deposition of collagen fibers by cleaving the N- and C-terminal prodomains of fibrillar collagens type I and III. Despite their known functional potential, the role of these proteins in the development and progression of prostate cancer remains insufficiently studied.

The awarded grant will enable the team of young scientists to deepen the understanding of the tumor microenvironment in prostate cancer.

We sincerely congratulate the project team on winning the competition and wish them success in implementing their research plans!

On May 29, 2025, as part of the Career Counseling Program “Your Successful Career Start Begins with Us”, implemented by the Educational and Scientific Center (ESC) “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the twelfth advisory meeting for students took place. The event was organized with the participation of the Department of General and Medical Genetics and held as an open online meeting with representatives from scientific institutions, private businesses, and government organizations.

Tetiana Borikun, PhD, Senior Researcher at the Department of Tumor Process Monitoring and Therapy Design of the R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, was invited to take part in the meeting.

During her presentation, she shared her personal experience working in academia, discussed the specifics of research activities in experimental oncology, the opportunities for internships at the Institute, participation in grant programs, and pursuing postgraduate studies.

The involvement of specialists from the Institute in such initiatives plays an important role in fostering meaningful dialogue between the educational and scientific sectors. These meetings help increase students’ awareness of current trends in biomedical research, provide realistic insights into scientific careers, and enhance young people’s interest in research activities.

In this way, the Institute, as a scientific institution of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, actively supports collaboration with educational institutions, laying the foundation for the development of the next generation of Ukrainian scientists.

Senior Researcher of the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular Biological Markers of Tumor Growth, Taras Zadvornyi, has taken first place in the scientific image competition organized by the European Society for Clinical Investigation (ESCI).

The submitted photo illustrates a histochemical method for determining the maturity of fibrillar collagen in prostate cancer tissue using picrosirius red stain. With this staining technique, mature collagen fibers appear red or orange under polarized light, while immature fibers are seen as green and yellow.

We congratulate Taras on this achievement and wish him continued success!

The Council of Young Scientists of the Institute

Throughout April 2025, young researchers and students undergoing internships at the Institute actively participated in two international scientific conferences, where they presented and discussed the results of their research.

In particular, during the XXII International Conference of Students and Young Scientists “Shevchenko Spring: Advances in Life Sciences”, which was held online from April 23–25, 2025, students interning at the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Transformation delivered presentations. Based on the results of the sectional meetings, the program committee awarded the following participants for the best oral presentations:

• Serhii Mosnytskyi — 2nd Degree Diploma for the presentation “Differential expression of KLF-4, KLF-6 and their association with MRPS18-2 in medulloblastoma samples” in the Cytology, Histology, Embryology and Human Physiology section.
• Sofiia Lytvyn — 3rd Degree Diploma for the presentation “Detection of transcription factors PU1, SPIB, and EBF1 in malignantly transformed B-lymphocytes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia” in the Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioengineering section.
• Vladyslav Khreshcheniuk — 3rd Degree Diploma for the presentation “mRNA stability and decay kinetics for the MRPS18 gene family (MRPS18-1-3) in breast cancer cells” in the Cytology, Histology, Embryology and Human Physiology section.

Equally active was the participation of the Institute’s young scientists in the 5th International Scientific Conference “Microbiology and Immunology – Development Prospects in the 21st Century”, held on April 29–30, 2025. Oral and poster presentations were delivered by representatives from the Department of Tumor Process Monitoring and Therapy Design, the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular-Biological Markers of Tumor Growth, as well as students undertaking internships at the Institute. Based on the conference results, the following young scientists were awarded diplomas:

• Maria Yeshchenko — 1st place in the Best Poster Presentation Award (Student category) for the presentation “Infiltration and functional activity of mast cells in the tissue of benign and malignant breast neoplasms.”
• Sofiia Suslova — 1st place in the Best Poster Presentation Award (Student category) for the presentation “Characteristics of CD68+ macrophage infiltration in prostate cancer tissue.”
• Oleksandr Mushii — 1st place in the Best Poster Presentation Award (Postgraduate category) for the presentation “Relationships of macrophage infiltration with the tumor matricellular composition and cytokine profile in breast cancer.”
• Tetiana Burda — 2nd place in the Best Poster Presentation Award (PhD student category) for the presentation “Regulation of Gelatinases Expression in Breast Cancer Cells with Different Degrees of Malignancy.”
• Anna Pavlova — 3rd place in the Best Poster Presentation Award (PhD student category) for the presentation “Tumor-associated macrophages as a prognostic factor for the breast cancer course.”
• Taras Zadvornyi — 1st place in the Best Oral Presentation Award (PhD student category) for the presentation “The tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer as a driver of metastatic progression.”

It is worth noting that such conferences are an invaluable platform for young people seeking to take their first steps in science. They provide opportunities to engage in research, find like-minded peers, and exchange ideas and perspectives. At the same time, these events play a key role in strengthening the professional community, fostering interdisciplinary connections, and promoting modern science both in Ukraine and internationally.

Anastasiia Shevchuk, an engineer at the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular-Biological Tumor Growth Markers, has taken first place in the 2024 Science Image Competition organized by the Ukrainian Wikipedia (Wikimedia Ukraine). The competition aims to promote science and collect visual materials that will illustrate articles in the encyclopedia.

This year, 72 participants competed across five categories: Microscopy, Living Organisms, People in Science, Non-photographic Images, and General Category. Anastasiia was awarded first place in the Microscopy category for her microphotograph of a rat’s vaginal tissue in the estrus stage, stained using the Masson-Goldner technique.

We sincerely congratulate Anastasiia on this outstanding achievement and wish her continued success in her scientific career!

The Council of Young Scientists of the Institute

Congratulations to Anastasiia Shevchuk, an engineer at the Department of Cytomorphology and Molecular-Biological Markers of Tumor Growth, on winning the first stage of the All-Ukrainian Student Research Competition for the 2024–2025 academic year in the specialty of “Biology”.

Anastasiia Shevchuk presented the results of her research on the topic “Morphometric Features of the Collagen Matrix in Prostate Cancer”, conducted at the Institute under the supervision of Senior Researcher, PhD, Taras Zadvornyi. Her academic advisor from the Department of Cytology, Histology, and Reproductive Medicine at the ESC “Institute of Biology and Medicine” of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv is PhD, Associate Professor Olena Voronina.

For the past three years, Anastasiia has been working alongside department researchers to characterize the collagen matrix’s qualitative and quantitative composition in benign and malignant prostate neoplasms. Collagen is the primary protein of the extracellular matrix, playing a crucial role not only in modulating tumor growth but also in regulating immune response.

We wish Anastasiia continued success in her scientific endeavors!

The Council of Young Scientists of the Institute

The Council of Young Scientists and Young Scientists of the R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology, and Radiobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine joined the scientific and practical conference with international participation “Measuring the Quality of Life of Patients in the Columns of Experimental and Clinical Oncology Publications: Challenges and Opportunities”, which took place in Kyiv on October 3–4, 2024.

The event brought together nearly 1,000 participants, including clinical and experimental oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiologists, chemotherapists, immunologists, and specialists from other medical fields and public organizations.

The conference’s primary focus was the quality of life of cancer patients. Participants discussed interdisciplinary approaches to medical rehabilitation, as well as social and psycho-emotional adaptation of patients. The event served as a platform for professional discussions, exploring the latest scientific and practical achievements in oncology.

The organizers of the event were the R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of the NAS of Ukraine, the National Association of Ukrainian Oncologists, the Public Organization “Ukrainian Society for Cancer Researchers”, and the State Institution “S. O. Grigoriev Institute for Medical Radiology and Oncology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”. The conference was held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join online and unite even more specialists from across Ukraine and the world.

Young scientists from the Institute actively participated in the conference. They not only contributed to the conference’s organization but also presented their research in oral and poster presentations.

In addition to discussing challenges in oncology, the conference identified best practices for optimizing the quality of life of cancer patients. Particular attention was paid to the development of modern guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of prevalent oncological diseases.

We sincerely thank the organizers, participants, and everyone who contributed to this important event.