Karazin University Representatives Held Practical and Research-Based Sessions for Lyceum Students and Teachers within the Educational and Research Cluster “Karazin University — for Students of ‘Metro School’ and ‘Underground School’ Classes of Kharkiv”

On 19 December 2025, the V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University Institute of Continuing Education together with the Education and Research Institute “School of Physics and Technology” conducted a series of cascade practical and research-based sessions in physics and technology. The activities were organised for students of specialised physics and mathematics classes of the Municipal Institution “Kharkiv Lyceum No. 163 of the Kharkiv City Council”.

This initiative is a logical continuation of the educational and research cluster “Karazin University — for Students of ‘Metro School’ and ‘Underground School’ Classes of Kharkiv (2025)”, which has been implemented since 2024 in a number of general secondary education institutions across Kharkiv districts. The cluster operates within the framework of practical tasks envisaged by Cooperation Agreements with Karazin University and Memoranda of Cooperation concluded between the Education Departments of district administrations of the Kharkiv City Council and the University.

At the beginning of the event, Mykhailo Tatarynov, Director of the Institute of Continuing Education, welcomed the lyceum students and teachers participating in the cluster, congratulated them on the upcoming New Year holidays, introduced the format of the practical and research-based sessions, conducted a safety briefing, and presented the tutors involved in the programme. These included Pylyp Kuznetsov, Director of the Education and Research Institute “School of Physics and Technology”; Inna Afanasieva, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Physics and Plasma Physics; Oleksandr Hapon, Senior Lecturer of the same department; and Mykyta Kyrpychov, a third-year student of the institute.

Pylyp Kuznetsov presented the activities of the institute he heads and, using examples from his own research work, demonstrated to the cluster participants the prospects of studying at different departments and bachelor’s programmes, as well as the career opportunities associated with these specialisations.

During the cascade practical and research-based sessions in physics and technology conducted by Inna Afanasieva and Oleksandr Hapon, students and their teachers worked with specialised equipment while performing a series of engaging tasks. These included experiments on electromagnetic phenomena, measurement of the Ampère force, familiarisation with the operating principles of the Maklakov hammer, use of Helmholtz coils, application of induction metal melting technologies, and operation of a Geiger counter. Based on the results of the activities, the lyceum students received valuable gifts from the academic staff of the Faculty of Physics and Technology for the most effectively completed tasks.

Within the “Ask — We Answer” cascade session, Mykyta Kyrpychov responded to numerous questions from cluster participants, sharing first-hand insights into studying in the chosen specialisation, discussing the advantages and limitations of using artificial intelligence in preparing academic assignments, and highlighting the challenges of modern student life and ways to address them. In turn, the lyceum students and teachers emphasised the importance of such practical and research-based sessions, particularly given the lack of modern technical equipment and the need for high-quality preparation for the Physics component of the National Multidisciplinary Test (NMT).

Valentyna Tarasova, Director of the Lyceum, expressed sincere gratitude to the administration of Karazin University and personally to Rector Tetiana Kahanovska for the tangible practical support in organising practice-oriented education at the lyceum under martial law conditions, and voiced hope for continued fruitful cooperation aimed at enrolling the lyceum’s graduates at the University.

At the conclusion of the educational and research cluster activities, Mykhailo Tatarynov presented teachers with certificates of professional development, taking into account individual objectives aligned with the Strategic Goals and Development Directions of Karazin University until 2030, positioning the University as a socially oriented and socially responsible institution.