PROMINENT ROLE OF ACADEMICIAN PETRO FEODOSIYOVYCH GOZHYK IN ACTIVITIES OF THE PALEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE

The general information about the Paleontological Society of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, its structure, composition and the main directions of activity are given. The actual problems of the current state of paleontological and stratigraphic research in Ukraine are represented and the role of the Paleontological Society in their development is shown. Various aspects of the Society's activity during the presidency of the academician P.F. Gozhyk are described during 2003–2020. The interrelation of current problems and challenges facing modern geological science and practice and topics of sessions is traced. The dynamics of the topics and the main problems considered during the 18 years at the sessions in connection with international programs and research and production projects developed in Ukraine are shown. The content and main scientific results of the program reports presented by Petro Feodosiyovych at the plenary sessions are described. The huge contribution of Petro Feodosiyovych Gozhyk to the development of the Paleontological Society and the leading role in its successful activity is determined. Emphasis is placed on the significant organizational abilities of Petro Feodosiyovych, the depth and diversity of his scientific interests, as well as his excellent human qualities. The program of priority tasks of the Paleontological Society of NAS of Ukraine and the prospects of further paleontological research in Ukraine are outlined, which were developed under the leadership by P.F. Gozhyk.