Today, we are witnessing artificial intelligence entering every sphere of life at an unprecedented pace, transforming the labor market, scientific research, social communications, global security, and the economy. Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute was among the first Ukrainian universities to begin applying AI in its activities. In particular, researchers at the Department of Artificial Intelligence of the Educational and Research Institute for Applied System Analysis are focused on ensuring that AI remains a tool for progress and contributes to sustainable development.
Among other researchers, Vira Huskova, Associate Professor at the Department of Artificial Intelligence, focuses on applying various artificial intelligence and forecasting methods and approaches to develop decision-support systems and model complex socio-economic and engineering processes. Recently, with the support of the Ukrainian-French Center at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and Eloise Marmouzet de La Taille, France’s Attachée for University and Scientific Cooperation in Ukraine, she completed a research internship at École Polytechnique, one of Europe’s most prestigious technical universities.
"An internship at École Polytechnique in Paris was an important professional and intellectual experience," the researcher says. "It gave me the opportunity to work with leading specialists and experts in the field of AI and to understand that AI is not simply a technology we can use, but a tool that enables decision-making in crisis situations. This experience also influenced my professional work in Ukraine. I became even more aware of the role of artificial intelligence in security, infrastructure resilience, risk forecasting, and managerial decision-making in wartime conditions." She adds: "One day, we were invited to attend students' thesis defenses, where they presented projects they had worked on for a year. This experience can be effectively implemented at Igor Sikorsky Polytechnic Institute, particularly through joint scientific workshops, research groups focused on AI safety, robustness, and explainability, as well as the development of international master's and PhD projects."
"In the future, we see opportunities to prepare joint grant applications (Horizon Europe and bilateral France–Ukraine programs), launch short-term mobility programs for students and PhD candidates, and co-author publications in leading scientific journals," adds Iryna Dzhyhyrei, Acting Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence. "It is particularly important to involve students in such initiatives—their participation in international research environments helps foster a new level of academic culture and professional competencies."
Recalling her own recent student years, the researcher addresses students: "Do not underestimate the power of scientific communication. Participation in conferences, involvement in international projects, and taking the initiative in collaboration—these are precisely the steps that open up opportunities for internships and joint research. The global scientific community is more open to partnership than ever, and Igor Sikorsky Polytechnic Institute has all the prerequisites to become a full-fledged participant in this process."
Over the past decades, it has become increasingly evident that women have confidently established their place in the academic and research community of Igor Sikorsky Polytechnic Institute. Vira H. Huskova readily shared what it means to achieve success in both professional and personal life: "Science, for me, is a way of thinking, asking questions, and finding solutions where it may seem that none exist. One of the main challenges for women in science today is balancing high professional standards with societal expectations regarding women's roles. Science requires time, continuous learning, mobility, and international collaboration with other universities and organizations to determine whether the approaches and methods being used are competitive and capable of delivering high-quality results. In addition, women often have to prove their expertise while balancing family, science, and personal development. However, all these challenges are gradually becoming opportunities for growth, stability, and greater confidence in future research and scientific discoveries."
In conclusion, Vira Huskova emphasized once again: "I would advise young researchers not to be afraid of their ambitions or challenging research topics. Yes, science is difficult; science is about challenges, but it is worth it."