5


Scientific Research and Innovative Activity

The activities of TSATU in 2024 demonstrate significant progress in the areas of innovation, digitalisation, sustainable infrastructure development and industry collaboration. University scientists systematically engage in the creation of intellectual property objects and conduct research and development (R&D) activities aimed at modernising the agricultural sector and the engineering industry. A key indicator in the field of intellectual property and patents is TSATU’s achievement of 17th place in the national ranking of inventive activity among higher education institutions of Ukraine for the first half of 2024, confirming the university’s high level of engagement in the development of innovative solutions. During this period, seven security documents were issued, including: Patent for utility model №154844 – “System of Automatic Filling of the Pressure Network of Sprinkler Machines”, an innovation designed to enhance water use efficiency and irrigation performance; three methods of production of cherry candied fruits have been patented, which contributes to the – Three patented methods for producing cherry candied fruits – contributing to the diversification of the food industry and supporting the economic recovery of the region

The results of research conducted by TSATU scientists were presented and defended within the “Rational Nature Management” section of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Ministry of Education and Culture. TSATU contributed to the R&D project titled “Development of Dairy Processing Technology Using New Types of Homogenisers”, with findings reported by the project’s scientific supervisor, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Kyrylo Samoichuk. Professor Samoichuk confirmed that the Technical Task requirements for the project had been fully met. Specifically, technological schemes for the production of drinking milk, yoghurt, and cream were developed using newly designed homogenisers that incorporate jet and pulsation homogenization modes, enabling the production of dairy products that meet quality standards while also reducing production costs, labour intensity, and increasing profitability. TSATU received budgetary funding from the Ministry of Education and Science to support priority scientific research in the field of Agrarian Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, representing a direct state commission for scientific activity. TSATU professors contributed expert analysis in the field of mechanical engineering, publishing an article in the Agrobusiness Today titled “How Can We Overcome the Problem of Domestic Tractor and Mechanical Engineering?” which offers expert recommendations for industry modernisation.

TSATU conducts scientific consulting and joint research based on formal cooperation agreements with enterprises, organisations, and institutions. In 2024, A total of 18 cooperation agreements were concluded, including 10 agreements focused on joint scientific research, the organisation of scientific and practical events, and the implementation of joint developments in applied settings in practical activities:

Strengthening Digital and Technical Infrastructure

Infrastructure development in 2024 was facilitated by receiving grants and assistance from charitable organisations:

  • Within the framework of cooperation with the “Agro-Tavria” information and consulting centre, TSATU launched the DigiTech Laboratory as part of the project “DigiTech: Increasing the Availability of Engineering and Technical Education for Young People (implemented by IREX with financial support from USAID), which contributes to the university’s digital infrastructure and expands access to engineering and technical education;
  • 190 laptops and 35 routers received as part of the FABU (BMEL) Project allowed the university to resume educational and research activities after relocation;
  • integration of IT systems based on a partnership agreement with the global company SAP (SAP University Alliances);
  • TSATU received laptops from the Olena Zelenska Foundation as part of the Global Business Coalition for Education (GBC-Education) initiative and the Digital Asset for Ukraine project, implemented by HP and Microsoft. This support was made possible with the assistance of the Department of Education and Science of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration and the Rector of TSATU, Professor Serhii Kiurchev.

Strengthening Human Resources Capacity

The professional development of scientists in 2024 was ensured across the following key directions:

  • Teachers completed training in Introduction to SAP S/4HANA and SAP Integrated Business Planning, enabling the integration of advanced ERP systems into the educational process of economic and financial programmes;
  • As part of the DigiTech project, TSATU provided teacher training in 3D Modelling in Autodesk Inventor, a programme critically important for the preparation of engineering personnel in the application of advanced technologies;
  • TSATU initiated and implemented the NoveFood-2024 professional development programme (60 hours, 2 ECTS credits), aimed at integrating innovative approaches in the field of food technologies, including topics on plant raw materials and niche crops;
  • TSATU organised and conducted the TechnoMay-2024 advanced training programme on the topic Modern Engineering (60 hours, 2 ECTS credits) to facilitate a dialogue between scientists and practitioners on key issues related to environmentally sustainable agricultural production and energy-saving technologies.

In 2024, TSATU employed 206 scientific and pedagogical staff members, of whom 132 were engaged in scientific research in STEM fields, and 74 conducted research in the areas of arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Industry Partnership and Scientific Cooperation

TSATU fosters powerful inter-industry relations through the conclusion of cooperation agreements focused on integrating unmanned solutions into the agricultural sector, conducting joint research activities, and establishing partnerships for the implementation of technological developments in agricultural practice. Dialogue and professional involvement are key drivers in the development of technology transfer and intersectoral cooperation. In 2024, representatives of TSATU actively participated in events dedicated to the advancement of industry, technology, and innovation, including:

TSATU stands as an institutional leader in innovation and modernisation, leveraging international assistance and strategic partnerships to ensure infrastructure sustainability, advance technological education and stimulate Ukraine’s industrial recovery.