KSE Foundation invests in human capital development through Talents for Ukraine — a grant program that recognizes and supports Ukrainians whose knowledge, research, and professional work contribute to the development of various fields and create value for the country. This week, we introduce a biologist advancing genomics research in Ukraine, a philosophy popularizer, and a scientist who promotes physics and cosmology.
Oleksandr Zinenko is a biologist and researcher in genomics and DNA barcoding of biodiversity who works in Kharkiv and advances the use of sequencing in biology and medicine in Ukraine. He is a leader from Ukrainian side of in the international Horizon Europe project Biodiversity Genomics Europe. He participated in the organization of DNA laboratories at the departments of zoology and mycology in Kharkiv, and Ukraine’s first biodiversity barcoding laboratory which uses nanopore sequencing in cooperation with the Natural History Museum in Lviv.
“In people, I notice openness, curiosity, and a focus on others first and foremost,” Oleksandr emphasizes.
Anton Nazarenko is a philosophy popularizer and the creator of one of the largest Ukrainian-language YouTube channels dedicated to philosophy and critical thinking. Through cinema, literature, video games, and contemporary culture, he makes complex ideas accessible and shows how philosophy applies to everyday life. Anton also founded a debate club and is building a community centered around critical thinking. Through his own format of in-depth video essays, he works to foster a culture of thoughtful reflection and resilience to disinformation and manipulation.
“If something seems impossible to do, try doing it,” Anton says.
Mykhailo Vysotskyi holds a PhD in Physics and Mathematics and is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Radiophysics, Electronics and Computer Systems of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. He combines research and teaching with the popularization of physics and cosmology. He develops an educational YouTube channel where he explains complex topics in an accessible and engaging way, presenting physics not as a set of formulas, but as a way of understanding the Universe. He places particular emphasis on critical thinking, the scientific method, and intellectual curiosity, and aims to make fundamental science engaging for a broad audience, especially young people.
“I firmly believe that if you genuinely love what you do and strive to do it as well as possible, others will inevitably feel it too,” Mykhailo comments.
More about the Talents for Ukraine winners
