Imagine the sound of artillery fire echoing in the distance, frequent power outages, and internet connections as fragile as a candle in the wind. Yet, in these dire conditions, a group of young Ukrainians is delving into the profound mysteries of mathematics under the guidance of world-class mathematicians. This is not a fantasy but the reality of the "Yulia's Dream" project—a tribute to the late young mathematician Yulia Zdanovska and a powerful testament to Ukraine's commitment to education despite the ravages of war.
Yulia's Dream: A Mathematical Oasis in the Midst of War
Launched by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Mathematics Department in 2022, "Yulia's Dream" provides Ukrainian high school students affected by the war with rare opportunities for advanced mathematical research. The project has become a sanctuary for young Ukrainian mathematicians, helping them pursue their dreams amid turmoil while forging strong connections within the global mathematical community.
Students are selected through a rigorous process, solving challenging mathematical problems to qualify. Once accepted, they engage in deep research under the mentorship of international experts. This apprenticeship model not only imparts knowledge but also ignites intellectual curiosity and innovation.
Remarkable Achievements: From Reading to Publishing
In the 2023-2024 academic year, 72 students participated in the reading phase of the program, with 48 advancing to the research phase. Their efforts culminated in ten high-quality research papers, five of which were published on the renowned preprint platform arXiv.org . These accomplishments highlight both the students' exceptional talent and the project's success in nurturing future mathematicians.
Standout participants like Sophia Breslavets and Nazar Korniichuk have gained invaluable research experience through the program, solidifying their ambitions to pursue mathematics at the highest levels. Both plan to continue their studies at MIT, contributing to Ukraine's mathematical legacy.
Rebuilding Intellectual Potential: Teamwork and Technology
The project's success lies not only in its advanced curriculum but also in its emphasis on collaboration and computational tools. Recognizing the severe challenges facing Ukraine's education system, the program encourages peer support and problem-solving teamwork. It also leverages digital resources—such as programming languages like Python and MATLAB—to compensate for the lack of physical learning materials.
This approach equips students with practical problem-solving skills critical for Ukraine's postwar reconstruction, where knowledge and expertise will be as vital as physical rebuilding.
Expanding Reach: A Beacon of Hope
The project continues to recruit students and mentors, offering weekly online sessions since October 2024 to foster learning and camaraderie. On June 15, 2025, the program celebrated the completion of 12 research papers by 55 students, spanning diverse mathematical fields and showcasing Ukraine's academic resilience.
Curriculum: Foundations to Frontiers
The program covers topics from combinatorics and graph theory to number theory, geometry, and topology. Using inquiry-based methods, students tackle open-ended problems with mentor guidance, cultivating independent thinking. Guest lectures by leading mathematicians further broaden their horizons.
Ukraine's Education Crisis: The Toll of War
According to a 2023 Human Rights Watch report, Russia's invasion has damaged or destroyed over 3,790 schools, disrupting education for millions. Many students study in basements or shelters, often with intermittent electricity and internet. Despite government efforts, the dual impact of war and the pandemic has left the education system in crisis.
International Mentorship and Collaboration
Global mathematicians, including professors from North Carolina State University, provide tailored guidance, accommodating students' unstable conditions. The project's partnerships with institutions like MIT create bridges to the international academic community, offering Ukrainian students a platform to present their work globally.
Conclusion: Lighting the Path Forward
As Ukraine's education system struggles, initiatives like "Yulia's Dream" demonstrate the transformative power of knowledge and international solidarity. By nurturing talent and fostering resilience, the project sows seeds for Ukraine's future—one equation at a time.