On October 26, 2026, at the K. Niemets Department of Human Geography and Regional Studies of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, within the framework of scientific and research practice, a meeting of the first-year students of the second (master’s) level of higher education of the educational programs “Economic, Social Geography and Regional Development” and “Urban Studies, Geoplanning and Sustainable Development of Cities” took place with the famous Ukrainian geographer, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor Grigoriy Pidgrushny.

Grigoriy Pidgrushny is the head of the Sector of Territorial Organization of Society of the Department of Human-geographical Studies of the Institute of Geography of the NAS of Ukraine, a professor at the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, a specialist in the field of human geography, territorial organization of society, regional development and spatial planning. His many years of scientific and practical activity are related, in particular, to the study of the spatial structure of the economy, the development of cities and regions, as well as the development of urban planning and planning documentation.

The central topic of the meeting was the scientific principles and practical aspects of territorial planning, its role in the formation of state regional policy and ensuring balanced spatial development of Ukraine.

Special attention was paid to the system of territorial planning at various hierarchical levels: from the national to the regional and local. The participants considered the features of the development of the General Scheme of Planning of the Territory of Ukraine, the planning schemes of individual regions and the general plans of settlements, their purpose and interrelation in the territorial development management system.

An important component of the meeting was familiarization with the practical experience of Gryhoriy who took a direct part in the development of the General Scheme of Planning of the Territory of Ukraine, the planning schemes of the territories of individual regions and the general plans of cities. This enabled master’s students to better understand how the results of human-geographical research are used when justifying planning decisions and determining the prospects for the development of territories.

Special attention was paid to the history of formation, areas of activity and features of the functioning of leading scientific and design institutions of Ukraine that carry out research and develop documentation in the field of territorial planning. In particular, the role of the Institute of Geography of the NAS of Ukraine and the Ukrainian State Scientific Research Institute of Urban Planning “DIPROMISTO” named after Yu. M. Bilokon in the formation of scientific and methodological approaches to the spatial development of the state was discussed.

The issues discussed are of particular relevance in modern conditions, when Ukraine is faced with large-scale challenges of restoring affected territories, transforming settlement systems, rebuilding infrastructure and searching for new models of sustainable regional development. It is a comprehensive human-geographical approach, taking into account territorial features and scientifically sound planning that are important prerequisites for effective post-war recovery.

The meeting was held in the format of an open dialogue and provoked a lively discussion. The graduate students had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss current problems of spatial development and get acquainted with the experience of practical application of geographical knowledge in the field of territorial planning.

Such meetings are an important component of the practical training of future specialists in the field of geography and regional studies, as they contribute to the integration of theoretical knowledge, modern scientific approaches and real professional experience, expand the understanding of the possibilities of applying geographical research in solving current social problems.

We sincerely thank Gryhoriy Pidgrushny for a meaningful, informative and extremely relevant meeting, willingness to share many years of scientific and practical experience, openness to communication with student youth!

We hope for the continuation of fruitful