Ukraine’s Path to Full Membership in IPPOG

From 1–4 June 2026, a landmark event took place in Slovenia (at the Jožef Stefan Institute) — the 31st meeting of the International Particle Physics Outreach Group (IPPOG). This authoritative global network brings together scientists, educators, and science communicators from around the world (including leading laboratories such as CERN, DESY, KEK, and major experiments) who work to make fundamental science understandable and engaging for society and young people.

At this important event, Ukraine was represented by the director of the Education and Research Institute “School of Physics and Technology”, Pylyp Kuznietsov. He delivered a presentation showcasing:

• Activities carried out in Ukraine to engage school students and university students in the study of particle physics;
• The work of Ukrainian research groups, which, despite current challenges, continue to operate actively and effectively in this cutting-edge field.

The key achievement of the meeting: the international collaboration unanimously supported Ukraine’s membership in this prestigious organization! This is a strong signal of support for the Ukrainian scientific community and recognition of the high level of Ukrainian researchers and outreach initiatives.

The next formal step is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, which will officially secure Ukraine’s status in the collaboration.

In addition to the historic vote for Ukraine, the working visit program was highly intensive:

• Participants attended presentations and learned best practices in science communication from other member countries;
• visited the TRIGA research nuclear reactor and the Tandetron ion accelerator at the Jožef Stefan Institute;
• took part in strategic discussions on public communication regarding future megaprojects, including the ambitious Future Circular Collider (FCC at CERN), the DUNE neutrino experiment (USA), and other leading physics programs.

IPPOG membership will provide Ukrainian students, lecturers, and young researchers with access to unique educational materials, international programs, and direct integration into the global scientific community!

We are proud of our Institute and continue to advance Ukrainian science toward new global achievements!