This year, the conference brought together more than 900 participants from 360 organizations representing about 50 countries worldwide. Ukraine was represented by President of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Stanislav Dovgyi, Acting Director of the National Center “Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine” Olena Kvachevska, Deputy Director for Financial and Economic Affairs Alla Nesterchuk, Deputy Director for Educational and Production Work Vasyl Dunets, Head of the Department of Scientific and Educational Exhibitions Mariia Dubrova, and Head of the Organizational and Technical Department Anna Danylenko.

The participation of part of the JASU delegation in the conference was made possible thanks to the support of the Airbus Foundation (France) in cooperation with Ecsite, the European network of science centres and museums.

President of the Junior Academy of Sciences, Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Stanislav Dovgyi stated: “The fact that Ukraine and the Junior Academy of Sciences participate in a conference of this level is an honor and a great source of pride for us. We had the opportunity to share our experience with colleagues and present projects we are implementing for Ukrainian children and youth. It was especially rewarding to see the sincere admiration of our colleagues from other countries for our success in creating new spaces for learning and development for thousands of young Ukrainians, even under conditions of full-scale war. We sincerely thank the Ecsite community for this invaluable support of Ukraine during wartime.”

A major accomplishment for Ukraine and the JAS team was the recognition of the Mathematics Museum ‘Cuboid’ as Highly Commended for achievements in science engagement.

Olena Kvachevska, Acting Director of the National Center “Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,” noted: “The Ecsite Conference is a unique opportunity to see the most modern approaches, technologies, and practices shaping the future of science education worldwide. For us, it is especially valuable that the international community not only supports Ukraine but also highly appreciates the results of our work. The special recognition for the Mathematics Museum ‘Cuboid’ is evidence that Ukrainian educational initiatives remain visible internationally even during wartime. At the same time, the conference provided a platform for dozens of meaningful meetings with partners, colleagues, and friends of Ukraine from different countries, opening new opportunities for cooperation and joint projects.”

During the conference, representatives of the Ukrainian delegation held meetings with partners and friends from various countries who support JAS educational initiatives. Discussions included further cooperation within the framework of the International Day of Engagement in Science for Sustainable Development, the creation of a National Center for Aviation and Space Technologies, and the organization of summer schools for Ukrainian children at science centres in different countries.

Representatives of the National Center “JASU” also participated in panel sessions, sharing JAS’s experience. Olena Kvachevska took part in the session “Meet the Winners of the Mariano Gago Ecsite Award”, while Vasyl Dunets was a speaker at the session “Why We Really Do Art-Science?”

Deputy Director for Educational and Production Work Vasyl Dunets emphasized: “For Ukraine, it is extremely important to be an active participant in the global scientific and educational dialogue. The Ecsite Conference provides opportunities to find partners, new ideas, and solutions that will contribute to the development of science education and create proper conditions for engaging children and youth in science, which is crucial for both the present and the future of Ukraine.”