Talents for Ukraine by KSE Foundation recognizes those who strengthen science, education, and cultural institutions through their daily professional work. This week’s winners include a scientist who studies the structure of new substances at the crystal level, a mathematician working at the intersection of probability theory and data anonymization algorithms, and a professional who modernizes libraries by introducing contemporary approaches to working with youth, information, and educational practices.
Yurii Slyvka is a Doctor of Chemical Sciences and a professor in the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. He specializes in the synthesis of coordination compounds and X-ray crystallography, which allows for precise determination of the structures of new substances with catalytic, biological, and nonlinear optical activity. Yurii has synthesized over three hundred crystalline π-complexes, with data stored in the Cambridge Structural Database. He engages students and schoolchildren in research, leads projects, publishes in international journals.
“You are the driving force of change and the creators of our history. Your discoveries can be decisive and make the world a better place,” emphasizes Yurii.
Valeriia Kotelnykova is a mathematician and researcher in probability theory, currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Operations Research at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, specializing in the Karlin occupancy scheme and its connection to anonymization algorithms. She was awarded the prestigious IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship by the International Mathematical Union after studying at the University of California. Beyond her research projects, Valeriia translates a fundamental textbook on discrete mathematics into Ukrainian and works on blocking russian scientific journals in the Western publishing market.
“Truth knows no hierarchy. Everyone makes mistakes—regardless of status, position, or age. The ability to acknowledge this opens the path to personal growth,” comments Valeriia.
Georgii Saprykin is a librarian and scholar who led the State Library of Ukraine for Youth for over 22 years, shaping modern approaches to working with young people and managing information. He is a candidate of pedagogical sciences and an associate professor, combining managerial experience with teaching and international expertise. Georgii has visited 78 countries, organized 30 professional «Bibliotour» trips, introduced Ukrainian specialists to global library practices, and contributed to the development of Ukraine’s cultural sector. His work focuses on modernizing libraries as innovative educational and cultural centers.
“What I value most in my professional work is the ability to discover something new,” notes Georgii.
The third stage of the Talents For Ukraine grant program continues in 2026. You can submit your application via the link https://150.foundation.kse.ua/en
More about the Talents For Ukraine winners
