General Characteristics of the Scientific School
The scientific school of Vyacheslav Sergiyovych Kharchenko is a creative scientific-educational and scientific-technical team of researchers and developers (ranging from cadets and students to doctors of sciences), who are united by a common long-term research and innovation strategy, research methodology, principles of project preparation and execution, and the style and traditions of teamwork in the field of critical computing theory and technologies, dependable intelligent technologies and systems. The scientific school began to form in the early 1990s at the Kharkiv Military University (Department of Control Systems and Operation of Rocket and Space Complexes), and subsequently developed and gained recognition since the 2000s as a scientific team of the National Aerospace University «Kharkiv Aviation Institute» (Department of Computer Systems and Networks, currently the Department of Cybersecurity and Intelligent Information Technologies). It unites several generations and includes scientists prepared by the students of its founder's students. The activity of the scientific school is aimed at conducting fundamental and applied research on urgent problems of normative regulation, analysis, modeling, evaluation, and assurance of the reliability, safety, and dependability of intelligent systems and critical infrastructures.
Founder of the Scientific School
Vyacheslav Sergiyovych Kharchenko (born October 24, 1952, Ukraine, Kyiv) — Ukrainian scientist, Doctor of Technical Sciences (dissertation «Theoretical Foundations and Basic Architectures of Fault-Tolerant Digital Systems for Special Complexes with Version Redundancy», 1995), Professor (Department of Automation and Technical Diagnostics, 1992), Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Department of Informatics, specialty «Informatics. Artificial Intelligence», 2025), Laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology (2019), Honored Inventor of Ukraine (1990), Head of the Department of Cybersecurity and Intelligent Information Technologies at the National Aerospace University «Kharkiv Aviation Institute».
The main scientific directions of the school are:
- scientific and methodological foundations of dependable intelligent systems based on the development of J. von Neumann's paradigm for building reliable distributed and embedded systems (infrastructures) from insufficiently reliable and safe components (systems) under conditions of functioning in an aggressive cyber-physical environment with variable parameters, as well as the development of A. Avižienis, J.-C. Laprie, and B. Randell's concept of dependability for artificial intelligence tools and systems;
- theoretical foundations and evolutionary analysis of heterogeneous artificial intelligence, which combines natural and artificial intelligence, interaction and development models, methods for its evaluation and application in dependable systems;
- models and case-oriented methods for evaluating the quality of artificial intelligence systems, which combine the characteristics of trustworthiness, explainability, responsibility, ethics, etc.;
- models and methods for evaluating and ensuring the resilience and security of critical infrastructures using artificial intelligence tools for proactive counteraction to cyber-physical impacts;
- methodology and a set of adversarial scenarios for the triadic representation of artificial intelligence as an asset for defense, a means of amplifying attacks, and a means of amplifying defense against cyberattacks and defense enhanced by artificial intelligence tools, and their analysis using combined analytical and experimental (penetration testing) methods;
- theory of safe multi-version critical application systems, methods for evaluating and reducing common-cause failure risks and uncertainty, and its development for creating trustworthy artificial intelligence systems;
- mathematical models, methods, and technologies for rationing, evaluation, and assurance of IT security (information and cybersecurity, functional and physical safety), creation of multi-level security management systems in the space «information and operational technologies» – «physical, cyber, and signal perimeters»;
- theoretical foundations and methods for monitoring, overcoming hazardous cyber-physical spaces, and improving situational awareness using heterogeneous unmanned (aerial, ground, marine) intelligent mobile systems;
- methods for modeling, building, deploying, and ensuring the dependability of explainable artificial intelligence services (Explainable AI as a Service) using programmable logic technologies;
- theory and methods of regulatory regulation, risk-oriented evaluation, and assurance of cybersecurity and functional safety of information-control systems, analysis of their mutual informativeness during verification, validation, and creation and use in critical infrastructures, etc.
Within the framework of the school, several modern directions have formed and are actively developing at KhAI and beyond in cooperation with representatives of Ukrainian and international universities and scientific-technical centers:
- methods, models, and information technologies for ensuring the reliability and survivability of mobile intelligent systems and sensor networks for monitoring ecosystems and critical infrastructure objects using big data technologies (Dr.Sc., Prof. H.V. Fesenko);
- methods and information technologies for the formation and deployment of dependable service-oriented mobile systems using multi-agent technologies (Dr.Sc., Senior Researcher I.M. Klyshnykov);
- models, intelligent methods, and systems for analyzing and ensuring the safety of energy facilities and infrastructures (smart grid, NPP, SMR) (Dr.Sc., Prof. Ye.V. Brezhnev);
- methods and systems for intelligent diagnostics of industrial equipment using digital twin technologies (Dr.Sc., Prof. O.I. Morozova), etc.
Areas of application of results: artificial intelligence tools in industrial equipment diagnostic systems, nuclear power plant and small modular reactor safety and control systems, aerospace computer systems, medical systems, mobile ecological monitoring systems for potentially hazardous and military objects, and hazard mitigation for territories and enterprises.
Scientific Achievements and Activity Results
V.S. Kharchenko has supervised 12 Doctors of Sciences as a scientific consultant, and 48 Candidates of Sciences and 6 Doctors of Philosophy as a scientific advisor (during his tenure at KhAI – 39 Candidates of Sciences and Doctors of Philosophy, and 12 Doctors of Sciences). 3 doctoral dissertations and 3 Doctor of Philosophy dissertations are being prepared for submission and defense in 2026. His disciples and representatives of this school have prepared 10 Candidates of Sciences and Doctors of Philosophy. The dissertation candidates of the school represent 6 countries.
Over the course of the school's existence, more than 30 national and international projects have been completed, over 500 scientific papers, journal articles, and monograph chapters indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases have been published, and patents and hundreds of inventions have been obtained. More than 40 international scientific-technical conferences and seminars have been founded and organized with the participation of specialists from various countries.
The school maintains long-standing fruitful scientific ties and joint projects with institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics, Pukhov Institute for Modeling in Energy Engineering, Institute of Software Systems, etc.), international centers, in particular, the International Centre for Chemical Safety and Security ICCSS (Poland, Warsaw), Adelard (United Kingdom, London), Institute of Information Science and Technologies "Alessandro Faedo" (Italy, Pisa), the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Bulgaria, Sofia), the National Centre for Nuclear Research (Poland, Otwock), and universities in more than 20 European and global countries.
A system of sustainable institutional interaction and cooperation has been established with leading industrial associations and IT business companies, enterprises and scientific centers of the nuclear energy sector, aerospace industry, small and medium-sized businesses.
Main Publications and Scientific Projects of the School
The founder of the scientific school (as of July 2026) has solely and together with colleagues published 468 scientific works (articles, conference papers, monograph chapters, and edited monographs) indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science scientometric databases, including 25 monographs published by world-renowned publishing houses such as Springer, IGI-Global, and River Publishers. Scientometric indicators according to international databases: Scopus h-index is 28, citation count is 3190; Google Scholar h-index is 40, i10-index is 208, citation count is 7930. 26 articles have been published in journals with Q1 and Q2 quartiles (nearly 40 in total for the school). 8 representatives of the school have an h-index higher than ten.
Over 60 articles have been published in journals issued by the institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The total number of scientific and scientific-methodological publications exceeds 900 titles. V.S. Kharchenko, as a scientific editor and co-author, has published two monographs on intelligent systems and technologies, cybersecurity and resilience handbooks for critical industries (Warsaw, ICCSS), a three-volume book on green and safe IT engineering (UK-Germany, Springer), a monograph on dependable Internet of Things systems (Denmark, River Publishers), and 3 monographs on the cybersecurity of information-control systems for nuclear power plants (USA, IGI-Global). He is the author of over 900 inventions, 120 of which have been implemented in the industry. During 2022–2026, 7 patents for inventions and utility models concerning mobile intelligent systems for critical object monitoring and demining, as well as redundancy methods for artificial intelligence systems, have been obtained.
Detailed information is available via the links: Google Scholar; Scopus; Web of Science.
Important publications of 2021–2026
a) Articles in periodicals:
1. Kliushnikov I., Fesenko H., Kharchenko V., Illiashenko O., Morozova O. UAV Fleet Based Accident Monitoring Systems with Automatic Battery Replacement Systems: Algorithms for Justifying Composition and Use Planning. International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering. 2021. Vol. 11, no. 4. P. 1-12 (Scopus Q3).
2. Kharchenko, V., Yastrebenetsky, M. (2021). About concept of Big Safety. Reliability: theory and applications, 16 (1 (61)), 13–29. https://doi.org/10.24412/1932-2321-2021-161-13-29 (Scopus Q3).
3. Kharchenko V., Fesenko H., Illiashenko O. Quality Models for Artificial Intelligence Systems: Characteristic-Based Approach, Development and Application. Sensors. 2022. Vol. 22, no. 13, article no. 4865. P.1–36. DOI:10.3390/s22134865 (Scopus Q1).
4. Kharchenko V., Kliushnikov I., Rucinski A., Fesenko H., Illiashenko O. UAV Fleet as a Dependable Service for Smart Cities: Model-Based Assessment and Application. Smart Cities. 2022. Vol. 5, no. 3. P. 1151–1178. DOI:10.3390/smartcities5030058 (Scopus Q1).
5. Fesenko H., Kharchenko V., Kliushnikov I., Illiashenko O., et.al. UAV and IoT-Based Systems for the Monitoring of Industrial Facilities Using Digital Twins: Methodology, Reliability Models, and Application. Sensors. 2022. Vol. 22, no. 17, article no. 6444. P.1–31. DOI:10.3390/s22176444 (Scopus Q1).
6. Kharchenko V., Ponochovnyi Y., Ivanchenko O., Fesenko H., Illiashenko O. Combining Markov and Semi-Markov Modelling for Assessing Availability and Cybersecurity of Cloud and IoT Systems. Cryptography. 2022. Vol. 6, no. 3, article no. 44. P.1–33. DOI: 10.3390/cryptography6030044 (Scopus Q2).
7. Babeshko, I., Illiashenko, O., Kharchenko, V., Leontiev, K. Towards Trustworthy Safety Assessment by Providing Expert and Tool-Based XMECA Techniques. Mathematics. 2022. 10, 2297. P.1-29. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10132297 (Scopus Q2).
8. Illiashenko O., Kharchenko V., Babeshko I., Fesenko H., Di Giandomenico F. Security-Informed Safety Analysis of Autonomous Transport Systems Considering AI-Powered Cyberattacks and Protection. Entropy. 2023. Vol. 25, no. 8, article no. 1123. P. 1–35. DOI: 10.3390/e25081123 (Scopus Q2).
9. Kharchenko, V., Yastrebenetsky, M. (2023). Comparativistics for Big Safety: Hegel’s Dialectic-based Methodology and Critical Applications Experience. 2023 13th International Conference on Dependable Systems, Services and Technologies (DESSERT), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1109/dessert61349.2023.10416527 (Scopus).
10. Fesenko H., Illiashenko O., Kharchenko V., Kliushnikov I., Morozova O., Sachenko A., Skorobohatko S. Flying Sensor and Edge Network-Based Advanced Air Mobility Systems: Reliability Analysis and Applications for Urban Monitoring. Drones. 2023. Vol. 7, no. 7, article no. 409. P. 1–27. DOI: 10.3390/drones7070409 (Scopus Q1).
11. Fedorenko G., Fesenko H., Kharchenko V., Kliushnikov I., Tolkunov I. Robotic-biological systems for detection and identification of explosive ordnance: concept, general structure, and models. Radioelectronic and Computer Systems. 2023. No. 2 (106). P. 143–159. DOI: 10.32620/reks.2023.2.12 (Scopus Q3).
12. Moskalenko V., Kharchenko V., Moskalenko A., Kuzikov B. Resilience and Resilient Systems of Artificial Intelligence: Taxonomy, Models and Methods. Algorithms. 2023. Vol. 16, no. 3, article no.165. P. 1–44. DOI: 10.3390/a16030165 (Scopus Q2)
13. Kharchenko, O. Odarushchenko. Trustworthy AI Systems from Untrustworthy Components: Development von Neumann’s Paradigm using Principle of Diversity. Proceedings 4th International Workshop of IT-professionals on Artificial Intelligence (ProfIT AI 2024), September 25–27, 2024, Cambridge, MA, USA. P. 392-404 https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3777/paper24.pdf (Scopus).
14. O. Gordieiev, A. Rainer, V. Kharchenko, O. Pishchukhina and D. Gordieieva. A Unified Approach to the Development of Technology-Based Software Quality Models on the Example of Blockchain Systems. IEEE Access. 2024. vol. 12. P.118875-118889. doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3448271 (Scopus Q1).
15. Skorobohatko S., Fesenko H., Kharchenko V., Yakovlev S. Architecture and Reliability Models of Hybrid Sensor Networks for Environmental and Emergency Monitoring Systems. Cybernetics and Systems Analysis. 2024. Vol. 60, no. 2. P. 293–304. DOI: 10.1007/s10559-024-00670-x. (Scopus Q3).
16. Fesenko H., Illiashenko O., Kharchenko V., Leichenko K., Sachenko A., Scislo L. Methods and Software Tools for Reliable Operation of Flying LiFi Networks in Destruction Conditions. Sensors. 2024. Vol. 24, no. 17, article no. 5707. P. 1–32. DOI: 10.3390/s24175707 (Scopus Q1).
17. Yastrebenetsky, M., & Kharchenko, V. (2024). Analysis of big safety attributes: from critical technical systems to individuals and communities. EUREKA: Physics and Engineering, (6), 129-141. https://doi.org/10.21303/2461-4262.2024.003565 (Scopus Q3).
18. Mishchuk V., Fesenko H., Kharchenko V. Deep learning models for detection of explosive ordnance using autonomous robotic systems: trade-off between accuracy and real-time processing speed. Radioelectronic and Computer Systems. 2024. No. 4(112). P. 99–111. DOI: 10.32620/reks.2024.4.09.
(Scopus Q3).
19. Leichenko K., Skorobohatko S., Fesenko H., Kharchenko V., Yakovlev S. Assessment of the Reliability of Wireless Sensor Networks for Forest Fire Monitoring Systems Considering Fatal Combinations of Multiple Sensor Failures. Cybernetics and Systems Analysis. 2025. Vol. 61, no. 1. P. 137–147. DOI: 10.1007/s10559-025-00753-3.
(Scopus Q3)
20. Kharchenko V., Yakovlev S., Veprytska O., Illiashenko O., Fesenko H. Explainable Artificial Intelligence as a Service: Methodology of Assessment and Quality Models. Cybernetics and Systems Analysis. 2025. Vol. 61, no. 2. P. 175–185. DOI: 10.1007/s10559-025-00757-z. (Scopus Q3).
21. Czaja, P., Gdowski, B., Niemiec, M., Kharchenko V., et al. Cybersecurity challenges and opportunities of machine learning-based artificial intelligence. Neural Comput & Applic 37, 27931–27956 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-025-11604-9 (Scopus Q1).
22. Ivasiuk, O., Kharchenko, V., & Zemlianko, H. (2025). From Security Informed Safety to Safety Informed Security: Methodology and Case for PLC-based I&C Assessment. International Journal of Computing, 24(3), 603-610. https://doi.org/10.47839/ijc.24.3.4199 (Scopus Q3).
23. Veprytska, O., Kharchenko, V., Illiashenko, O. Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence: Triad-Based Analysis and Attacks Review. Cybernetics and Information Technologies. 2025, Issue 3, P. 156 – 185. https://doi.org/10.2478/cait-2025-0028 (Scopus Q2).
24. O. Golembovska, V. Kharchenko Technologies of Interactive Art Encyclopedia of Libraries, Librarianship, and Information Science. Elsevier, 2025, p. 506-527 https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-95689-5.00152-8 (Scopus Q2).
25. Kharchenko V.S. Conceptual Fundamentals of dependable artificial intelligence systems. Reports of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. 2025. (2): 11—23. https://doi.org/10.15407/dopovidi2025.02.011
26. Kharchenko V.S. Scientific principles, methods of creating and implementing dependable AI systems (transcript of scientific report at the meeting of the Presidium of NAS of Ukraine, February 25, 2026). Visn. Nac. Akad. Nauk Ukr. 2026. (4): 37—43. https://doi.org/10.15407/visn2026.04.037
27. Kharchenko V, Shchehlov V, Ivasiuk O, Morozova O. Digital Twin-Based Lifecycle Methodology for Ensuring Safety of NPP/SMR I&C Systems. Technologies. 2026; 14(1):46. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010046 (Scopus Q1).
28. Illiashenko, O., Ivanchenko, O., Kharchenko, V., Kucher, D., Fesenko, H., Bazli, B., & Trevorrow, P. (2026). Artificial Intelligence-Enabled UAVs: Models and Effectiveness Assessment for Complex CBRNe Missions. Drones, 10(6), 427. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones10060427 (Scopus Q1).
29. Korniienko, D., Serhiichuk, N., Kharchenko, V., Fesenko, H., Borges, J., & Bardis, N. (2026). Intelligent UAV-UGV-SN Systems for Monitoring and Avoiding Wildfires in Context of Sustainable Development of Smart Regions. Sustainability, 18(8), 3908. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083908 (Scopus Q2).
30. Abakumov, A., Kharchenko, V., & Popov, P. (2026). Proactive unmanned aerial systems cybersecurity analysis: combining a priori – a posteriori IMECA and penetration testing methods. Radioelectronic and Computer Systems, 2026(1), 282-298. doi: https://doi.org/10.32620/reks.2026.1.18 (Scopus Q2).
b) Monographs and handbooks:
1. Yastrebenetsky M., Kharchenko V. (eds). Cyber Security and Safety of Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation and Control Systems. IGI Global, Hershey, United States, 2021, 512 p. (Scopus, Q4).
2. Methods and Technologies for Assuring Quality and Safety of Intelligent Systems: Collective Monograph / ed. by V.S. Kharchenko, O.I. Morozova. – Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, National Aerospace University named after N.E. Zhukovsky «KhAI». – Kyiv: “Euston Publishing House”, 2023. – 352 p.
3. Intelligent Cybernetic Systems: Evolution of Principles, Theories and Security Technologies: Collective Monograph / ed. by S.I. Dotsenko, V.S. Kharchenko. Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, National Aerospace University named after M.E. Zhukovsky «KhAI». Kyiv: «Euston Publishing House», 2023. – 323 p.
4. Handbook on security analysis, selection and deployment of corporate messengers / Bondarenko S.V., Podgorny R.S., Kharchenko V.S. Kyiv: Euston, 2024. 176p. ISBN 978-617-8335-34-2
5. Kharchenko V., Paturej A., Potii O. (eds). Manual on Cybersecurity, Reliability and Resilience Assurance in the Critical Industries. International Centre for Chemical Safety and Security, Warsaw, 2024. 201 p.
6. Kharchenko V., Brezhniev E. (eds). Small Modular Reactor Digital Infrastructures for Safety and Security: Assessment and Provision, IGI Global, Hershey, United States, 2026. 522 p. DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-6901-3
c) Patents:
1. Method of detection of explosive ordnance, patent 154226, Ukraine, F41H 11/13, Fedorenko G., Fesenko H., Kharchenko V. et.al. Publ. 25.10.2023, Bul. № 43.
2. System for monitoring critical unsafe objects, patent 154299, Ukraine, G 06 F 7/00 / Kharchenko V., Kliushnikov I., Fesenko H., Fedorenko G. Publ. 01.11.23, Bul. № 44.
3. Method of providing AI systems dependability, patent 156654, Ukraine, G 06 F 7/00 / Kharchenko V., Odarushchenko O., Fesenko H. Publ. 24.07.24, Bul. № 30.
Scientific Projects
Since 2001, under the scientific supervision of V.S. Kharchenko, 12 state-funded and 5 contract-based projects related to the assessment and assurance of functional and cyber safety, creation of mobile intelligent systems for monitoring, demining, etc., have been completed at KhAI upon the orders of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, high-tech enterprises such as R&D Enterprise Radiy, Scientific and Technical Design Bureau Polisvit, R&D Institute Samsung-Ukraine, R&D Enterprise Westron, etc. V.S. Kharchenko coordinated the preparation and execution of 14 scientific and educational projects under European programs TEMPUS, FP7, UNTC, ERASMUS+, Horizon 2020, SI Baltic Sea Neighbourhood Programme, and Deutsche Messe AG concerning the creation of critical and intelligent computing systems, cyber security and resilience assurance of mobile systems (unmanned, crewless, etc.) using artificial intelligence tools, instrumental environments for verifying dependable complexes, embedded fail-safe systems for space and medical complexes, industrial Internet of Things, etc.
Scientific guidance and development of national and sectoral standards have been carried out, specifically 5 standards commissioned by the State Space Agency regarding dependable I&C systems, and the standard «Safety Requirements for Nuclear Power Plant Instrumentation and Control Systems» (2001). Together with colleagues – associate professors O.O. Illiashenko and Ye.V. Babeshko, two «white» books on the implementation of cybersecurity standards for industrial information-control systems and functional safety in Ukraine according to IEC 62443 and IEC 61508 standards have been prepared and published.
The team of the Scientific and Technical Center for Infrastructure Safety Analysis and Research, deployed at the department as a separate structural unit of the R&D Enterprise «Radiy» (2007), directly participated in licensing and obtaining (for the first time in the history of Ukraine and Eastern Europe) the certificate from the USA Nuclear Regulatory Committee for the multi-module platform RadICS created by R&D Enterprise «Radiy» (Kropyvnytskyi, 2019), on the basis of which dozens of reactor safety systems have been developed and implemented for nuclear power plants in Ukraine and other countries (Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, USA).
V.S. Kharchenko acted as the scientific head of the KhAI team during the implementation of one of the largest European cybersecurity projects under the Horizon 2020 program – European Network of Cybersecurity Centres and Competence Hub for Innovation and Operations ECHO (H2020-SU-ICT-2018-2020, 2019–2023), within which the European strategy and roadmap for using artificial intelligence tools to ensure the cybersecurity of autonomous transport systems and instrumental environments for assessing the safety of industrial systems were developed. Under the German-Ukrainian project AvioCore4.0 (2021–2023), a research and project strategy for digitalization, the use of artificial intelligence tools, and the cybersecurity of aerospace and other industries was developed. Cybersecurity courses for industrial control systems and infrastructures were designed in the joint Swedish-Polish-Ukrainian project CyberEDU (2021–2023) under a program funded by the Swedish Institute within the Baltic partnership. Under this program, together with Swedish and Estonian colleagues, the WILDCAT project (2024–2026) was successfully completed, focusing on the development of intelligent monitoring and protection systems for forest fires using unmanned aerial vehicles, ground robots, and stationary sensor networks. Representatives of the school are among the initiators and executors of the European project to establish the Eastern Ukrainian Digital Innovation Hub (2024–2028) covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, mobile technologies, etc. New projects under the NANSEN (Norway, 2026–2029) and NCURA (USA, 2026–2027) programs have been won in the research areas of the scientific school.
Amidst the full-scale war, research and development of multi-purpose intelligent mobile (robotic-biological) systems for demining tasks and monitoring critical object states under destruction conditions have been initiated, alongside the creation and deployment of secure (dependable and resilient) complexes of unmanned and crewless vehicles. Successful trials of multi-sensor intelligent UAV systems for searching and identifying explosive ordnance have been conducted with the support of projects funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Scientific Community and Continuity. Disciples
Doctor of Technical Sciences Dissertations
Since beginning work at KhAI in 2001, 12 doctors of sciences have defended their theses:
1. Morozov Oleksandr Oleksandrovych (defended 02.2007, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Scientific and Methodological Foundations for Automated Management of Measuring Equipment Maintenance Systems in Distributed Technical Complexes.
2. Skляр Volodymyr Vasylyovych (defended 05.2012, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodology and Information Technologies for Ensuring Functional Safety of Information and Control Systems.
3. Gorbenko Anatolii Viktorovych (defended 06.2012, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodological Foundations and Information Technologies for Creating Dependable Service-Oriented Web Systems.
4. Brezhniev Yevhen Vitaliyovych (defended 05.2017, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodological Foundations of Information Technology for Ensuring Security of Critical Energy Infrastructures.
5. Lysenko Serhii Mykolayovych (defended 06.2020, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodological Foundations and Information Technology for Ensuring Resilience of Computer Systems under Cyber Threats.
6. Gordieiev Oleksandr Oleksandrovych (defended 04.2021, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodological Foundations and Information Technology for Profile-Oriented Software Quality Assessment in Human-Computer Systems.
7. Ponochovnyi Yurii Leonidovych (defended 04.2021, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodological Foundations and Information Technologies for Ensuring Dependability of Information and Control Systems with Multi-Target Servicing.
8. Fesenko Herman Viktorovych (defended 04.2021, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodology and Information Technology for Ensuring Reliable Operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Fleets for Monitoring Systems of Potentially Hazardous Objects.
9. Pevnev Volodymyr Yakovlevych (defended 05.2021, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodological Foundations of Control and Information Integrity Assurance in Infocommunication Systems.
10. Odarushchenko Oleh Mykolayovych (defended 05.2021, specialty 05.13.05 – Computer Systems and Components). Methods and Tools for Ensuring Reliability and Functional Safety of Software and Hardware Complexes Considering Physical and Design Component Defects.
11. Ivanchenko Oleh Vasylyovych (defended 05.2021, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodological Foundations and Information Technology for Ensuring Availability of Cloud Systems in Critical Infrastructures.
12. Kliushnikov Ihor Mykolayovych (defended 12.2025, specialty 05.13.06 – Information Technologies). Methodology, Models and Information Technology for Ensuring Dependability of Service-Oriented Mobile Systems Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Candidate of Technical Sciences / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Dissertations
Since 1990, under the scientific supervision of V.S. Kharchenko, 48 candidates of sciences and 6 doctors of philosophy have defended their theses, including 33 candidates of sciences and 6 doctors of philosophy in specialties (Information Technologies, Mathematical Modeling and Computational Methods, Control Systems and Processes, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity) and 12 doctors of sciences completed during his work at KhAI since 2001.
The research topics completed within the scientific school demonstrate its comprehensive nature related to critical systems, problems of assuring their dependability, and the use of artificial intelligence tools. The studies have a practical orientation within the defined strategic scientific direction.
Organization and Participation in Conferences and Seminars
Together with representatives of the school, V.S. Kharchenko founded and serves as the chair of the IEEE Conference on Dependable Systems, Services and Technologies (DESSERT), initiated in Ukraine (2006), whose proceedings are indexed in Scopus and which has become the largest event on dependability, reliability, and safety in Eastern and Central Europe, combining the fields of creation and application of artificial intelligence systems. In 2019, at the invitation of the UK IEEE Society and Leeds Beckett University, it was held in the UK, and in 2022–2026 – in Greece. The 15th DESSERT2025 conference involved over 300 researchers from 20 countries worldwide.
V.S. Kharchenko has been the chair and co-chair of 12 other international conferences and seminars held in Ukraine, Bulgaria, the UK, Greece, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Germany. He has spoken at conferences in 24 countries. He has been an invited lecturer at 26 international conferences and workshops, in particular over the past five years in Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Ukraine, Slovakia, and Italy. He has served as an invited professor and researcher at universities in the UK, Slovakia, Germany, and the USA. He is the founder and scientific supervisor of the International Permanent Scientific and Technical Seminar "Critical Computer Systems and Technologies" (CriKTechS) (initiated in May 2001, 211 sessions held, 46 since March 2022 under conditions of large-scale aggression), which over 25 years has engaged more than 11,000 researchers, engineers, and students from universities, institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and industrial enterprises from 15 countries worldwide. V.S. Kharchenko served as an invited professor and researcher at universities in the UK, Slovakia, Germany, the USA, and Greece (2004–2024). Representatives of the school work in 7 countries worldwide.
V.S. Kharchenko is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal "Radioelectronic and Computer Systems" (since 2015; indexed in Scopus since 2019, quartile Q2). The editorial board includes a deputy editor-in-chief and 6 editorial board members. He is a co-editor of the "Central-European Research Journal" and an invited editor for special issues of "International Journal of Computing", "Entropy", and "Sustainability" (MDPI journal complex). He is the head of the Kharkiv Regional Industry 4.0 Center opened at KhAI (since 2018) and the Cybersecurity and IT Regional Training Center (since 2025).
He was the President of the Ukrainian Educational and Scientific IT Society (2018–2023) and a member of its Supervisory Board (since 2023). He is a member of 3 scientific-methodological and expert councils for standards development and scientific project expertise. For 20 years, he was a member of six specialized academic councils. He chairs the specialized academic council for awarding the degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences in the field of information technologies.
Representatives of the scientific school also actively participate in organizing and conducting conferences, seminars, working on editorial boards of leading scientific periodicals, and specialized dissertation defense councils. A tradition of the school is purposeful work with students, engaging them in creative activities, research, and projects. It actively participates in educational work and engaging school and university students in scientific work and innovative projects. Department students become prize-winners and winners of All-Ukrainian Olympiads in computer networks and technical diagnostics, hackathons in various fields, receive nominal scholarships and grants under various programs, and awards for best papers and presentations at scientific conferences. An ecosystem has been created at the department to support the successful work of graduate students and conduct project-oriented research for projects carried out and prepared by the department.
Recognition and Authority of the Scientific School
The high authority of the scientific school is confirmed by state awards, professional distinctions, and the active participation of its representatives in creating tools and information technologies essential for defense and security.
Awards and Honors of V.S. Kharchenko and the Scientific School
In 2020, he received a scholarship from the Kharkiv Regional State Administration as the best scientist in computer science and information technology and, for the second time, the diploma of the winner of the regional competition in the "scientist" nomination. He was awarded distinctions from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine "For Professional Achievements" (2018) and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine "For Scientific Achievements" (2012). In 2019, he was awarded the Honorary Diploma of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. In 2023, he received the "Icarus of KhAI" award in the "best scientist" nomination, and in 2025 – in the "best head of department" nomination. In 2024, he was awarded the Order of Merit, 3rd Class.
For the series of scientific works "Ensuring Functional Safety of Critical Information and Control Systems," he received the State Prize of Ukraine in Science and Technology for 2019.
He coordinated the preparation of 3 projects by young scientists that received the President of Ukraine Awards for scientific achievements in the fields of cybersecurity and functional safety of various types of systems:
- in 2016: Associate Professor V.O. Kulanov, Associate Professor A.O. Stadnik, Associate Professor Ye.V. Babeshko;
- in 2020: Associate Professor O.O. Illiashenko, Doctoral Student M.O. Kolisnyk, Postgraduate Student A.A. Strelkina;
- in 2025: Professor O.I. Morozova, Associate Professor A.G. Tetsky, Associate Professor G.A. Zemlianko.
In addition, a number of prizes and grants from the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for active scientific activity were received by young scientists of the department: Professor O.I. Morozova, Associate Professor O.O. Illiashenko, and Associate Professor G.A. Zemlianko.
The international recognition of the scientific school is confirmed by constant invitations to participate in international projects under H2020, NATO, regional, and bilateral programs. Furthermore, scientists receive awards for best papers and presentations at international scientific and technical conferences, as well as invitations to deliver plenary lectures and conduct tutorials.
The scientific school and its head have a recognized academic output in the fields of critical computing, dependable intelligent systems, and the safety of information-control systems and complexes, acknowledged by the domestic and international scientific community. A number of scientific problems have been solved and fundamental results obtained in the fields of information technology security, and dependable (reliable and safe) intelligent computing and systems.
Following his election as a Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the Department of Informatics (specialty "Informatics. Artificial Intelligence"), Professor V.S. Kharchenko was invited to speak at the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (January 25, 2026) with a report on dependable artificial intelligence systems. Based on the discussion results, a resolution was adopted to support this research and development direction, and an interdepartmental institute is planned to be established on the basis of KhAI together with the institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
The results obtained by Professor V.S. Kharchenko and the scientific school that exceed world-class standards include conceptual, theoretical, and methodological foundations, methods and technologies for assessing and ensuring functional and cybersecurity, dependable artificial intelligence systems, and mobile intelligent systems. These results are widely presented and published at the national and international levels and implemented at enterprises in Ukraine (nuclear energy, aerospace systems, transport, IT industry, etc.).