On 11 September 2025, an open lecture “Science as Revolution” was held in the Academic Council Hall of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, delivered by Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, President of the Royal Society, and UNITED24 Ambassador Sir Paul Nurse. The event took place within the framework of the 5th Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, and was attended by the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KPI, Oleksandr Korniyenko.
The distinguished guest was welcomed by the Rector of Igor Sikorsky KPI, Prof. Anatolii Melnychenko.
In his address, the eminent scientist — whose research on the regulation of the cell cycle laid the foundation for the development of new medicines, including therapies for malignant tumours — emphasised that science is the driving force behind long-term societal change. Associate Professor Valerii Orel of the Department of Translational Medical Bioengineering moderated the discussion. The audience brought together a wide circle of Ukrainian researchers and educators, including representatives of the Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, the Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, the National Cancer Institute, the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, and the Paton Electric Welding Institute. The hall also gathered many representatives of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering — from students to academic staff, including Dean Prof. Oleksandr Galkin, Vice-Dean for Research Associate Prof. Olena Holembiovska, Vice-Dean for International Cooperation Associate. Prof. Tetiana Lutsenko, Head of the Department of Translational Medical Bioengineering Assoc. Prof. Oleksandr Besarab, and Assoc. Prof. Nataliia Poiedynok. Students also took an active part in the discussion, among them Anton Krotov, Yana Smirnova, and Pavlo Khomchenkov. Particular attention was given during the dialogue to translational medicine, a field that connects fundamental discoveries with their practical applications in patient care and diagnostics. During the meeting, students of the faculty asked Sir Paul Nurse about the role of fundamental science in the development of Ukraine, the impact of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, on biomedicine, as well as the prospects for international scientific cooperation in times of war.
