Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Junior Academy of Sciences to develop STEM education for Ukrainian children
21.08.2026
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and the National Centre “Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine” (JAS) have signed a memorandum of cooperation. Through this partnership, the organisations will create modern educational projects for Ukrainian schoolchildren with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as introduce STEM approaches into education. These approaches involve the integrated study of disciplines and help students apply their knowledge in practice: to research, experiment, seek solutions to real-world problems and develop skills in demand in today’s world.
The memorandum of cooperation was signed by Kseniia Sukhova, Director General of the Foundation, Stanislav Dovhyi, President of the National Centre “Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine”, and Vasyl Dunets, Acting Director of the JAS.
“We are convinced: supporting young people and providing them with quality education now is a direct investment in the future of our community and the whole of Ukraine. Through our partnership with the Junior Academy of Sciences, we give children something more than ordinary knowledge – practical tools: STEM schools, laboratories, access to the international scientific community. We want them to experiment, believe in themselves and create their own projects here, at home,” says Kseniia Sukhova.
During the meeting, the parties presented their key projects and discussed areas for future cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the development of educational initiatives for children and young people and opportunities to introduce modern STEM approaches. For the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, this cooperation is an important step in developing the educational component of its own projects. The partnership will combine the Foundation’s experience in supporting children and young people with the JAS’s scientific and educational expertise and will contribute to the development of the STEM component of the “Rinat Akhmetov to Children. Peaceful Rest for Children of Ukraine” programme, within which Camps are held. This will help create more opportunities for children and teenagers to engage in practical learning, work on their own projects and explore innovative technologies.
The Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is one of the country’s leading centres for science education. It has many years of experience working with gifted young people, develops research and educational programmes, and organises science schools and international educational projects. The JAS’s partners include leading scientific institutions around the world, including NASA, CERN and international laboratories. Over the years of its activities, dozens of world-renowned scientists, including Nobel laureates, have taken part in the Academy’s educational programmes.
The Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine also holds nationwide and regional summer science and STEM schools every year for students in Years 8–11, combining intensive learning with recreation and helping young people master practical science, IT technologies and engineering, as well as develop soft skills. The JAS has extensive international experience: it runs educational programmes and summer schools in Europe.
The aim of the partnership is to create more opportunities for Ukrainian children and young people to learn, conduct research, fulfil their potential and build their future in Ukraine.
