Science in Nursing: Bringing Light Back to Ukraine – Participation of the Representatives of the Institute of Nursing, TNMU

On September 12–14, 2025, a seminar “Science in Nursing: Bringing Light Back to Ukraine” was held in Ivano-Frankivsk. The event was organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the WHO Country Office in Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the State Institution “Center for Nursing Development of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.”

The seminar brought together leading Ukrainian and international scientists, educators, practicing nurses, PhDs in nursing, and young researchers. Its main goal was to foster dialogue on the role of science in nursing, create new opportunities for research and publications, and emphasize the importance of nurses in rebuilding and transforming Ukraine’s healthcare system in the context of post-crisis recovery.

The workshop program covered a wide range of topics: modern research methods in nursing, issues of ethics and academic integrity, international peer review, the culture of scientific publications, and practical tools for preparing high-quality scientific texts. A key component was discussions on the professionalization of nursing, motivation, and the development of leadership potential among nurses in a challenging time of war, when resilience, humanity, and the strength of the profession gain special significance.

The atmosphere of professional dialogue and the importance of the seminar were highlighted by the team of moderators whose leadership and professionalism ensured a high level of discussion and inspiring dynamics. Among them were Olena Nykonchuk (Ministry of Health of Ukraine), Jarno Habicht (WHO Representative in Ukraine), Maggie Langins (WHO Regional Office for Europe), Mark White (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), Kateryna Komar (State Institution “Center for Nursing Development” of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine), Rachel Greenlee (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine), Polina Huk and Khrystyna Chaika (WHO Country Office in Ukraine). Their ability to combine diverse international and national perspectives, guide the dialogue constructively, and maintain openness to new ideas was a true key to the success of the event and once again proved that the development of nursing science in Ukraine has strong allies on the global stage.

I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University was also represented by a strong team. Svitlana Danchak, Director of the Institute of Nursing, emphasized in her speech the importance of nursing research as a driving force for change. She highlighted that science shapes modern views on health, influences public consciousness, and defines a new generation of nurse leaders. Oksana Shevchuk, Head of the Project Management Office, focused on strategies for disseminating scientific knowledge and the importance of building professional networks. In her presentation, she outlined how international cooperation and effective communication between researchers can strengthen the role of nursing science in Ukraine and Europe.

Nataliia Smoliuk, Deputy Medical Director for Nursing, together with Antonina Tsipkalo, PhD in Nursing, and Dmytro Kovalchuk, Assistant at the Department of Higher Nursing Education, Patient Care, and Clinical Immunology, joined an interactive panel discussion with Ukrainian nurse researchers, addressing current challenges, motivation, and the development of the profession in wartime conditions.

This seminar became an extremely important step toward the formation in Ukraine of a strong scientific community in the field of nursing, integrated into the European and global scientific space, and contributed to strengthening the position of science as the foundation of professionalization and healthcare reform.

Sincere gratitude goes to all organizers for supporting this initiative, to international colleagues for sharing their experience and valuable advice, and to all participants for their inspiration, professional dialogue, and shared vision of the future of nursing science in Ukraine.