Science centre opens on Pip Ivan

On 27 August 2026 the International Centre for Shared Scientific Equipment opened in the restored «White Elephant» observatory on Pip Ivan Chornohirskyi (2028 m). Ukraine's and Poland's education ministers attended. Partners are Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University and the University of Warsaw; systematic restoration has run since 2012.

A telescope is installed in the dome; a robotic remote-control setup is next. The centre also covers meteorology, climate, ecology and Chornohora biodiversity. Research teams can apply to use the equipment under shared-use agreements. Part of the building houses Ukraine's highest mountain rescue station (State Emergency Service).

This is not a museum tour or overnight hut: laboratories stay closed to casual visitors. Hikers may reach the summit on Carpathian National Nature Park trails under border-strip rules (State Border Guard permit). Rescuers are on duty around the clock and can shelter people in bad weather — an emergency refuge, not a tourist hostel.