The Ministry of Education and Science has appointed a new head of Kyiv National University for the duration of the elections

The Ministry of Education and Science has appointed a new acting rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The position has been filled by Volodymyr Ilchenko, who previously headed the University’s Educational and Scientific Institute of High Technologies. He will lead the university during the election process.

 

There has been a change in the acting rector at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The Ministry of Education and Science has appointed Volodymyr Ilchenko to this position. Ilchenko holds a Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics and is a professor in the Department of Nanophysics of Condensed Matter. Prior to this appointment, he served as the acting director of the Educational and Research Institute of High Technologies at Kyiv National University. This was reported by the Ministry of Education and Science, and the information was also confirmed to Interfax-Ukraine.

The previous acting rector, Valerii Kopiika, has been relieved of these duties. The reason is related to the rector’s election—a participant in the electoral process cannot simultaneously serve as the acting head of the university. Volodymyr Ilchenko will serve as acting rector until a new university head is appointed in accordance with the law or until another acting rector is appointed. In any case, his term of office is set to end no later than March 25, 2027.

When Will the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Rector Election Take Place?

The election for rector of Taras Shevchenko National University is scheduled for October 27, 2026. The vote was originally planned for May 27, but in May, the Ministry of Education and Science approved postponing the date to the fall. The ministry explained that the date change was procedural in nature and was intended to ensure appropriate conditions for holding the election. Four candidates were admitted to the election: Valerii Kopiika, Kseniia Smyrnova, Hanna Tolstanova, and Oleksandr Korchenko.

Thus, Volodymyr Ilchenko will head the university until the election takes place. Once a rector is elected, his powers as acting rector will cease in accordance with established procedure.

A former vice rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv was notified that she is suspected of abuse of office in connection with the procurement of electricity.