From training thermal engineers in 1898 to an institute connecting nuclear and thermal power engineering, digital technologies and automation.
1898–1931 · The foundations
KPI began training thermal engineers when the university was founded. Between 1898 and 1931, this training was based in the Mechanical Division at the Department of Applied Mechanics. Of the 815 mechanical engineers who graduated before 1918, approximately half specialised in thermal engineering.
1931–1962 · Establishing the faculty
In 1930, KPI was reorganised into several specialised institutes. The Kyiv Energy Institute established a Faculty of Thermal Engineering in May 1931. Its deans were Professors M. A. Kondak (1931–1932) and I. T. Shvets (1933–1934).
In 1934, the departments of the thermal and electrical engineering faculties formed the Energy Faculty of the Kyiv Industrial Institute. Thermal engineering became a separate faculty again in 1938, headed by I. T. Shvets until 1940. In 1962, it became the Faculty of Heat and Power Engineering, known as TEF.
Research schools and nuclear power engineering
In 1957, a research laboratory for heat transfer and gas dynamics was established under Professor V. I. Tolubinsky, Head of the Department of Boiler Installations and a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR. Its work included thermal-hydraulic processes in nuclear reactor cores and their reliable operation.
This research experience and its contribution to the nuclear sector provided the basis for launching the Nuclear Power Engineering degree programme in 1985.
Faculty leadership through the years
After I. T. Shvets, the faculty was led by M. O. Kichyhin (1940–1951), A. P. Ornatskyi (1951–1955), O. I. Butuzov (1955–1962), Yu. O. Babenko (1962–1978), V. O. Khrystych (1978–1979), O. M. Alabovskyi (1979–1989) and V. V. Bosyi (1989–2001). Professor Ye. M. Pysmennyi became dean in 2001.
2021–2022 · Establishing IATE
On 4 October 2021, the University Academic Council approved the establishment of the Educational and Research Institute of Nuclear and Thermal Power Engineering on the basis of TEF. The decision reflected the importance of nuclear energy in Ukraine, the need to train specialists and the development of international cooperation.
The institute’s organisational structure and regulations were approved by an order dated 3 May 2022. Its five degree-awarding departments are complemented by education and research centres and laboratories.
A view into our history
