One of the most powerful moments of the E³UDRES² Science Festival 2025 in St. Pölten was the moving exhibition presented by students, faculty, and staff from our Ukrainian associated partners, in cooperation with the “Unissued Diplomas” initiative. The exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing war’s impact on the academic community and youth.
Cherkasy State Business College presented stories of resilience, including that of Oleksandr, known as “The Unbreakable Spirit”, who returned to his studies after being injured in the war. Their students also shared touching visual projects: "War Through Design Students’ Eyes" and "War Through Young Eyes". Sumy State University shared the harsh reality following a tragic missile strike on April 13, 2025, which claimed 35 lives and destroyed parts of the university. They also introduced the Sumy State University Think Tank and launched a fundraising campaign to support rebuilding efforts. Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University Cherkasy provided insights into the challenges of maintaining a “University in Wartime”, remembering students who lost their lives and will never receive their diplomas.
International exhibition "Unissued Diplomas" showcased in St. Pölten
The "Unissued Diplomas" exhibition - originally curated by Ukrainian students in 2023 - tells the stories of 40 students killed in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Through their names, faces, and dreams, the exhibition brings visibility to the profound personal losses experienced by the academic community. The exhibition has been show across the world already, with more than 100 showcases held in countries such as Australia, Japan, Germany or the USA.
E³UDRES² stands in solidarity with its Ukrainian partners and commends their efforts to share truth, inspire hope, and honour the memory of their students.
