Specifics of nurturing university students’ independent research activities in a digital educational environment: Theoretical justification of the factors of successful organization

Introduction. The article examines the problem of fostering successful independent students’ research. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate, analyze and specify the factors of organizing independent research activities of university students in a digital educational environment. Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the research is a set of subjective, learner-centered and activity-based, cross-cultural, competence-based and professionally oriented approaches that allow analyzing the organization of students’ independent research activities in the context of the relationship between personality and professional activities with a focus on the formation of research competence, taking into account Russian and international experience that determines the specifics of educational and professional activities of university students in modern conditions of digital transformation of education. Results. It is revealed that in modern conditions, university students have low motivation for independent research due to its complexity and versatility. The relationship between research and development, education and commercialization for effective university development in modern conditions is highlighted. It is revealed that the factors considered as the driving force behind the organization of independent research can be implemented: at the socio-psychological level (interaction with the supervisor); didactic level (implementation of innovative technologies in the educational process); personal and professional level (development of certain personal qualities; digital level (use of artificial intelligence and digital educational environment); and methodological level (methodological culture and reading competencies). Conclusions. The study concludes that the main factors in the organization of students’ independent research include the following: the role of a supervisor as a mentor and facilitator; the formation of a preventive position of a young researcher to develop attitudes and readiness for research; the development of proactive behavior and cognitive flexibility as professional and personal qualities of students; attracting students to active participation in student scientific societies with a well-thought-out demonstration of the results and achievements of student-led research; formation of students’ research competence in the digital educational environment.