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The material is an analytical article by Maksym Strikha devoted to the issue of the attestation of academic personnel. The author undertakes a comparative analysis of European and Ukrainian academic institutions, focusing on institutional differences and the principles used to evaluate scholarly activity. The article problematizes the dual status of the scholar resulting from the distinction between an academic degree and an academic title. According to Strikha, the attestation system inherited from the Soviet period, although in need of reform and improvement, does not constitute the most urgent problem facing contemporary science in Ukraine. At the same time, the author outlines possible directions for its modernization with due consideration of European experience. The material also includes references to contextual reflections by Hryhorii Hrabovych and to an open letter to the President of Ukraine addressing the reform of the system of attestation for scholars.