“Memory is our strength. Those who are alive receive a mandate from those who have fallen silent forever. They can fulfill their duty only by calling things by their true names, liberating the past from myths and legends”, wrote Nobel laureate Czesław Miłosz. Miłosz, Cz.(1977). Ziemia Ulro. Paryż: Instytut Literacki.

The Encyclopedia of Modern Ukraine (EMU) encompasses not only the present but also the past and, naturally, the future. It serves as an objective, unbiased source of knowledge about Ukraine and its connections with the world, both past and present. This vision was articulated in the preface to the first volume, and the editorial team has adhered to this principle throughout the years of the project’s implementation.

Today, the EMU Online contains over 76,000 articles, which attract at least 10,000 visitors daily. Unlike the Ukrainian Soviet Encyclopedia and other encyclopedias created during the USSR era, the EMU avoids myths and legends, instead calling things by their true names. This is the foundation of readers’ trust in the work.

The EMU’s editorial team has not engaged in image-making or promotional campaigns for the project. Instead, they have diligently and responsibly carried out their work—an endeavor that is at times routine but more often inspiring, important, and captivating. Through this work, they continue to reveal to themselves, Ukrainians, and the world a remarkable country and its people — creators of material and spiritual achievements that are undoubtedly a proud part of human civilization. This connection to global culture is felt most acutely when 21st-century barbarians destroy libraries, theaters, universities, and museums.

All Ukrainians share a Great Dream, for which our soldiers are giving their lives and millions of compatriots are studying, working, and creating both at home and abroad. This Dream is Victory! Undoubtedly, this word has been the most frequently spoken over the past year and the previous two. It is the ultimate wish we convey to our loved ones, friends, and even acquaintances during any celebration, memorial day, or everyday communication. Alongside it comes gratitude — above all, to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These words are iconic for Ukrainians.

As is tradition, we conclude the year with the publication of the Encyclopedia Herald of Ukraine. This marks the 16th issues of our journey. What makes this current annual noteworthy and important not only for us, the staff of the Institute of Encyclopedic Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the editorial board, but also for scholars across Ukraine and abroad?

First and foremost, it is the diversity of contributors: experts in their fields, some of whom have published their research in previous years, as well as those contributing for the first time. The current volume also stands out for the range of topics addressed. Naturally, the majority of articles focus on encyclopedia studies, encyclopedia overviews and project reports, as well as book reviews. We continue our tradition of introducing readers to centers of Ukrainian studies abroad and highlighting achievements and challenges in Ukrainian lexicography, terminology, and applied linguistics — fields integral to the contemporary development of encyclopedias.

By broadening the horizons of encyclopedic research and engaging new authors, the editorial team aims to establish it as a serious academic field that not only enriches Ukrainian science but also becomes an integral part of the modern international encyclopedic movement.