On March 3, 2026, in the reading hall of the library of the Educational and Scientific Institute of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology (USUCT), a commemorative event marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of the distinguished scientist and professor Yuriy Dmytrovych Barinov took place. The event was attended by family members, colleagues, students, and representatives of the university administration. The atmosphere was sincere and warmly familial, filled with deep respect for the Teacher.

The event host, Oleksiy Oleksandrovych Sihunov, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass, and Biomedical Materials at the USUCT, and Head of the Career, Employment, and Stakeholder Relations Department at the university, outlined the scientist’s life and professional path, emphasizing his dedication to science and the humanity he generously shared with students and colleagues.

A particularly touching moment was the speech by the professor’s daughter, Svitlana Yuriyivna Naumenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass, and Biomedical Materials. She remembered her father as a person of great inner strength and deep sensitivity. Despite the difficult trials of his youth, he never lost his dignity, never raised his voice, rarely spoke about the war, and always sought to learn new things and pass knowledge to others. This tireless pursuit of knowledge shaped him as a Teacher who left a profound mark on the lives of many people.

Life Path and Scientific Development

Yuriy Dmytrovych Barinov was born on March 5, 1926. At the age of 15, he was taken for forced labor to Germany. Later, he served in the army in Romania. Upon returning to Dnipro, he worked at a factory as an apprentice planer while simultaneously attending evening school for working youth.

A memorable episode from that time, often recalled by the family, occurred during a chemistry lesson: he wrote the formula for water as H₂ and received a strict reprimand from the teacher. This incident did not break the young man but only strengthened him. Later, he enrolled at the Dnipropetrovsk Chemical-Technological Institute in the Faculty of Silicate Technology.

After defending his diploma in 1957, he remained at the department, beginning his scientific work under the supervision of Professor Hryhoriy Ihnatovych Belyaev. In 1965, he defended his candidate (PhD) dissertation, headed the enameling laboratory, and ten years later defended his doctoral dissertation at the Riga Polytechnic Institute.

From 1977 to 1985, he served as Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Technology of Binding Materials. The scientist’s body of work includes over 200 publications, 11 author’s certificates, a methodological manual for technical schools, and the supervision of 13 PhD candidates. His research in metal enameling and coating technology laid the foundation for a scientific school that continued to develop at the university.

Colleagues’ and Students’ Memories

Colleagues shared memories and stories that vividly characterize Yuriy Dmytrovych not only as a high-level scientist but also as a mentor who always supported young specialists:

• Professor of the Department of Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass, and Biomedical Materials Viktor Ivanovych Holeus recalled Yuriy Dmytrovych not only as a supervisor but, above all, as a person who was always positive, kind, and open to communication;
• Professor of the Department of Pharmacy, Chemistry, and Technologies Oleksandr Vasylovych Kharchenko shared vivid episodes of collaboration with the scientist that reflect his wisdom as a mentor;
• Valeriy Ivanovych Ovcharov, Professor of the Department of Fuel, Polymer, and Printing Materials Technology and Dean of the Faculty of Food and Chemical Technologies, noted the professor’s constant willingness to support initiatives and provide guidance;
• Senior Researcher Oleksandra Andriivna Amelina, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass, and Biomedical Materials, recalled the words of her scientific supervisor, Professor Oleksandr Nosenko, who always spoke warmly of Yuriy Dmytrovych, emphasizing his humanity and high professionalism;
• Vice-Rector of USUCT, Professor of the Department of Chemical Technologies of Ceramics, Glass, and Biomedical Materials Olha Petrivna Ryzhova shared memories of joint scientific trips and the atmosphere of deep professional discussions;
• Tamara Oleksandrivna Shevchenko, who for many years headed the postgraduate program at USUCT, spoke about the support Yuriy Dmytrovych provided to young researchers. In times before calculators, he purchased an arithmometer for the postgraduate students – a crucial tool for performing calculations;
• Researcher Sofiia Bronislavivna Pitkevych shared her memories, and Researcher Raisa Ivanivna Kyslychna read original poems dedicated to the memory of the Teacher.

Scientific Legacy and Tradition

During the meeting, participants discussed the development of the enameling workshops and the specifics of production. Svitlana Yuriyivna showcased a decal for decorating enamelware – a symbol of the industry to which the professor devoted his life.

The Director of NNI USUCT, Professor Olha Serhiivna Sverdlikovska, emphasized the importance of preserving the historical memory and traditions of the university, as they form the professional and spiritual foundation for future generations.

Participants had the opportunity to explore an exhibition of the scientist’s works, prepared by the library staff, as well as family photo albums, which allowed them to see Yuriy Dmytrovych not only as a scientist but also as a person – within his family circle and among students.

The life path of Professor Yuriy Dmytrovych Barinov serves as an example of resilience, deep dedication to science, and responsibility toward students. His scientific school remains an important component of the academic community at NNI USUCT to this day.