On the third Saturday of May, Ukraine celebrates the professional holiday of scientists — Science Day. It is established by Presidential Decree № 145/97 of February 14, 1997.
The highest state scientific organization of Ukraine is the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NAS of Ukraine), formed on November 27, 1918. At one time it was one of the largest republican academies that operated in the Soviet Union.
In 1999, the Law of Ukraine «On Science and Scientific and Technical Activities» was adopted, which regulated the main directions of functioning of the scientific and technical sphere of the country.
Today, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine includes more than 170 scientific institutions, employing almost 35 thousand people (the total number of employees, taking into account organizations of the pilot industrial base and service sector, is approximately 40 thousand people).
The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is engaged in research in the field of technical, natural, humanities and social sciences. Regional scientific centers operate within the structural framework of the Academy.
According to the tradition of recent years, on this day the country's leadership congratulates all scientists on their professional holiday, and the most distinguished are awarded state awards, memorable gifts, prizes and thanks from the state leadership.