For many participants, this was not just a contest, but also their first substantive dialogue with the industry shaping the country's energy future.

Traditionally, the event was organized by JSC “NNEGC ”Energoatom" and the Ukrainian Nuclear Society with the participation of industry-specific higher education institutions. The aim of the competition is to provide students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the principles of nuclear technology and to view nuclear physics and nuclear energy not as an abstract theory, but as a real career path.

After the qualifying rounds in NPP satellite towns and regions, 26 participants advanced to the finals. Thirteen students presented their work during the online defense.

The topics of the essays were so diverse and profound that they impressed even experienced experts, ranging from radiation safety and thermonuclear fusion to the use of artificial intelligence and digital twins, as well as an analysis of how computer games influence young people's attitudes toward nuclear energy.

The evaluation was carried out according to clear criteria: relevance of the topic, logic of presentation, validity of conclusions, work with sources, and the ability to defend one's position with arguments. The difference in points between the finalists was minimal—the competition was fierce for literally every argument.

So, the winners of the “Nuclear Energy and the World – 2025” competition are:

First place – Andrii Bobrov (Kyiv), Kyivska Rus Gymnasium, 9th grade.

Topic: “The use of artificial intelligence and digital twins to improve the safety of nuclear power plants.”

Second place – Yevheniia Tomishyna (Chop, Chop Lyceum, 11th grade).

Topic: “Analysis of a computer model of the process of plutonium isotopes photodisintegration in an electron accelerator.”

Third place – Anastasia Vlasiuk (Sudylkiv, Khmelnytskyi region, Sudylkiv Lyceum, 11th grade).

Topic: “Radiation and radiation safety of nuclear power plants in the current environment.”

Three other participants – 11th graders Daryna Bovhyra from Varash, Andrii Boiko from Kharkiv, and Nataliya Martynko from Pivdennoukrainsk – received honorable mentions.

The competition was an important personal experience for all the finalists. "The questions were difficult and unusual – and that's what made it so interesting. Thank you very much for the opportunity not only to present my work, but also to have a real discussion," said competition winner Andrii Bobrov.

“I didn't expect to hear my name among the winners, even though this isn't my first time participating. It's extremely motivating and gives me confidence to move forward,” said Anastasia Vlasiuk.

The organizers and jury members are unanimous: the competition has long outgrown its format and has become a bridge between school, university, and future profession.

"For Energoatom, such competitions are an investment in future specialists. We want motivated young people to choose to study nuclear energy and link their professional careers with companies in the industry," said Danylo Lavrenov, Executive Secretary, First Vice President of the Ukrainian Nuclear Society, Head of the President's Office at JSC “NNEGC “Energoatom”.

Volodymyr Kravchenko, Head of the Department of Nuclear Power Plants at Odesa Polytechnic National University and coordinator of the selection stage in the Odesa region, assessed the participants as follows: “All these students are our potential applicants. And it is crucial that there are more such events.”

The All-Ukrainian competition “Nuclear Energy and the World” has once again proven that Ukraine has people who can continue and develop nuclear energy in a smart, responsible manner with an eye to the future.