Recently, researchers from the BioResources & Technology (BRT) Division, delivered a series of guest lectures at Ukrainian universities. Hosted by partner institutions in Mykolayiv and Sumy, the sessions focused on ecological biotechnology, scientific methodology, and bioenergy research, strengthening academic exchange and collaboration. The lectures were attended by master’s students, bachelor’s students and PhD candidates. 

 

 

Guest lectures were delivered for students of the Faculty of Agrotechnologies at Mykolayiv National Agrarian University (MNAU), Ukraine. The session was organised within the AgriSci-UA project as part of the course “Biotechnology in Crop Production,” upon the invitation of Assoc. Prof. Tetiana Manushkina from the Department of Agriculture, Geodesy and Land Management. Two lectures were presented by members of the BRT Division. 

 

Ing. Viktoriia Chubur, PhD, Researcher and Head of the BRT Laboratory, delivered the lecture “How ecological biotechnology supports sustainable agricultural development.f” She introduced ecological biotechnology approaches that contribute to sustainable agriculture through innovative biological methods, improved crop productivity, reduced dependence on chemical inputs, soil fertility restoration, and biodiversity conservation. 

 

Aishwariya Chaure, PhD, BRT Project Manager, presented “Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of essential oils and extracts of Indian medicinal plants.” Her lecture focused on the bactericidal properties and chemical composition of plant extracts and essential oils, demonstrating their potential applications in biotechnology and plant protection.

 

The lectures enriched the methodological course content with research-based insights, supported by visual materials and interactive discussion.  

 

 

 

Another guest lecture was held for students of the Department of General and Regional Geography at Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A. S. Makarenko. The session was held within the courses “Fundamentals of Scientific Research” and “Fundamentals of Production Technologies,” taught by Dr. Serhii Lutsenko. 

 

Held within the courses “Fundamentals of Scientific Research” and “Fundamentals of Production Technologies,” Dr Viktoriia Chubur delivered the lecture “From idea to experiment: developing research with a specific goal using the example of biogas research.” She presented the key stages of developing scientific research, from forming an idea and hypothesis to analysing results and interpreting findings. Particular attention was given to Experimental Design, including experiment planning, selection of appropriate research methods, error control, and statistical data analysis. 

 

Students were introduced to the practical research experience of the BRT Laboratory at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, including studies on biogas production from different types of organic waste, comparative substrate performance, characteristics of bioconversion processes, and modern approaches to environmentally responsible energy production. 

 

 

 

Dr Viktoriia Chubur delivered the lecture “Bioenergy Potential of the Agricultural Sector: The Role of Biogas Technologies“ for students of the Engineering and Technology Faculty of Sumy National Agrarian University (SNAU). 

 

 She provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of biogas technologies, guiding students from the basic principles of bioenergy to advanced topics, including technical characteristics of biogas plants, economic efficiency, environmental advantages, and sector-wide challenges. 

 

The lecture incorporated practical experience and research results from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, highlighting examples of successful biogas projects and their real-world applications. The session enriched students’ understanding of renewable energy systems and encouraged further exploration of sustainable energy development. The session served not only as a source of new knowledge but also as motivation for further exploration of renewable energy and its relevance for Ukraineg’s future.  

 

 

These sessions reflect the strong academic ties between BRT and Ukrainian partner institutions, built on shared scientific interests and mutual support. By contributing research expertise and methodological guidance, BRT remains actively engaged in strengthening international collaboration and capacity building.