Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Astronomy, no. 72, p. 52-57 (2025)
OPENING THE HIGH-ENERGY SKY: FROM CITIZEN SCIENCE TO TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
Alona MOZGOVA1, PhD (Phys. & Math.)
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8490-4327
e-mail: alenamozgova@knu.ua
Bohdan HNATYK1, DSc (Phys. & Math.), Prof.
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-7113-4709
e-mail: bhnatyk@knu.ua
Lidiia ZADOROZHNA1, PhD (Phys. & Math.)
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-3337-9753
e-mail: lidiia.zadorozhna@knu.ua
Vassyl DANYLEVSKY1, PhD (Phys. & Math.), Senior Researcher
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8311-0907
e-mail: vdanylevsky@knu.ua
Olexandr GUGNIN1, PhD Student
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4585-8812
e-mail: alexgugin@knu.ua
1 Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Abstract
Background. Modern physics is based on the Standard Model of particle physics and the Standard Cosmological Model, both of which require data from astrophysical observations for further development. This has led to the emergence of high-energy astrophysics – a field that explores fundamental interactions through gravitational waves, neutrinos, photons, and cosmic rays. Recent discoveries have given rise to new branches of astronomy: gravitational wave astronomy, neutrino and multi-messenger astronomy. Ukrainian scientists are actively involved in international projects such as CTAO, GCOS, and CREDO, which focus on the study of these phenomena. In 2024, the team from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (TSNUK) joined the international project – Astrophysics Center for Multi-messenger Studies in Europe (ACME, https://www.acme-astro.eu/), which unites the research infrastructure of participating countries to conduct collaborative astrophysical studies. The project also aims to popularize science among the wider public – particularly school and university students – and to involve non-professionals in the analysis of real scientific data. This paper presents the experience of the Ukrainian team in implementing citizen science principles and training young researchers – including students and schoolchildren – within the framework of the ACME project.
Methods. The following methods were used in this work: selecting key information to create presentation materials, developing slide presentations with lecture support, and disseminating information about the project through conferences, lecture series, social media and other public events. To engage the public in scientific research, our future plans include organizing roundtable discussions, a summer school and educational activities for young researchers using online communication platforms.
Results. As a part of the ACME project objectives, which include disseminating the results of the grant agreement and informing and engaging the public in experiments involving the intelligent analysis of scientific data, the Ukrainian team participated in organizing and conducting a number of events. These included the online event “Multi-messenger Citizen Science: Training Event for Amateur Astronomers”, the university-wide open day KNU EXPO Spring 2025, the international meeting “Recovery Plan for Ukrainian Astronomy: Supporting Post-war Recovery in Ukraine through Astronomy”, the national scientific conference “Astronomy and the Present Day”, and a series of lectures held at the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, all of which are described in detail in this article.
Conclusions. In addition to advancing scientific knowledge, it is essential to engage the public – especially talented youth – in research through citizen science initiatives. Modern infrastructure projects increasingly involve non-professionals, including school and university students, in meaningful scientific work. At TSNUK, researchers collaborate with students via international projects such as CTAO and ACME, and also through initiatives like the High-Energy Astrophysics Training School, which promotes data analysis skills and multi-messenger astrophysics. Ukrainian researchers and students benefit from access to tools like the MMODA platform (https://www.astro.unige.ch/astroordas/mmoda) and the European Open Science Cloud (https://eosc.eu/eosc-about/), ensuring their integration into the global scientific community. Early involvement in such projects fosters critical thinking, deepens scientific curiosity, and helps prepare the next generation of innovators.
Key words
ACME, citizen science, high-energy astrophysics, multi-messenger astronomy, cosmic rays, nonthermal gamma-ray emission.
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