The event brought together over 200 participants, including top managers from Metinvest Group and its enterprises, leading researchers from Ukraine and Bulgaria, and representatives of technical universities from Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Kremenchuk, Vinnytsia, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Lviv, and other cities.
The conference served as a platform for sharing experience and seeking collaborative solutions to rebuild Ukraine through the integration of science into industrial processes. Participants discussed the main directions for industry development, including the implementation of energy- and resource-saving technologies, the digitalisation of production, environmental and economic aspects, operational efficiency improvement, and the transformation of engineering education. Special attention was given to the green transition in Ukrainian metallurgy, the introduction of direct reduction iron technologies, and environmentally friendly practices.
“The mining and metallurgical industry has always been a pillar of the economy, but today it has the chance to become a symbol of its revival. It is not only the foundation of infrastructure but also one of the key export sectors that ensures economic resilience for the country. I am confident that the integration of science, business, and education will create conditions for the sustainable development of the industry, and therefore, for Ukraine’s successful future,” Oleksandr Povazhnyi said during the opening of the conference.
He emphasised that the integration of these three components is the cornerstone for transforming the sector, with education playing a pivotal role. The university aims to train a new generation of professionals who are capable not only of addressing modern challenges but also of driving innovation to modernise the mining and metallurgical complex.
During the plenary session, Tetiana Petruk, Chief Sustainability Officer at Metinvest, outlined the current situation at the Group’s enterprises, their contributions to supporting Ukraine, and the Group’s development priorities for 2025. “For me, Metinvest Polytechnic is more than just a university. It is a backbone for Metinvest and a forge of skilled engineering talent, which is, unfortunately, in critical short supply in today’s labour market,” she stated.
Petruk also highlighted the Group’s focus on its employees. Specifically, Metinvest is developing an adaptation programme for veterans that helps them integrate into civilian life by offering new opportunities for education and professional development. She noted that the Group’s personnel shortage has prompted Metinvest to increase its investments in education and the training of new specialists. Here, Metinvest Polytechnic plays a vital role by preparing highly qualified professionals who will strengthen the Group’s and the industry’s workforce in the future.
One of the main themes of the conference was the transformation of engineering education. Denys Kononiuk, Chair of the Metinvest Polytechnic Alumni Association, stressed the importance of maintaining the relevance of Ukrainian engineering education by focusing on global best practices while considering the unique characteristics of Ukraine’s industrial environment.
Another key topic was the role of women in modern engineering. At Metinvest, women are increasingly occupying roles that were traditionally considered exclusively male pastimes, and this trend is continuing to grow. In response to these changes, education must evolve into a flexible and adaptive platform that supports everyone who is ready to embrace new opportunities.