Cooperation within projects aimed at capacity building and collaboration between CZU and selected partner universities in Ukraine has a long-standing tradition, which has managed to persist even in the current unfavourable situation caused by the war. Not only was the AgriSci-UA project successfully implemented in 2023, but the platform also expanded to include one more partner. The State Biotechnological University is also now a member, joining the Ukrainian partner universities of Sumy National Agrarian University, Sumy State University, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, and Dnipro State Agrarian-Economic University.
The project included a wide range of activities, such as the creation of multidisciplinary scientific teams, the publication of scientific articles, the acquisition of scientific equipment for research and educational activities at partner universities, several international mobilities, and numerous expert lectures conducted by experts from CZU. Under the leadership of Associate Professor Hynek Roubík, Ph.D., we have attempted to carry out all activities to the maximum possible extent and to best adapt to the current conditions. A valuable experience in this regard was the 2020 pandemic, during which we learned to operate virtually, enabling us to conduct a series of online lectures that contributed to increasing the capacities and cooperation among young lecturers, researchers, and students.
The multidisciplinary research teams, whose scientific activities are currently ongoing, focus on the following topics, which may have significant importance in the near future for successfully addressing the current challenges in today's Ukraine: Waste of War; Deforestation as a consequence of war; Disturbance of ecosystems; Air and water pollution; Consequences of lost access to water sources (Black Sea); Polluted soils – what effects will it bring; Biodiversity losses; Migration and its effects on the agrarian sector. Thanks to the efforts of our colleagues, several publications have been released in scientific journals, which are available through our web platform: AgriSci-UA News.
Despite the current situation complicating the possibility of international mobility, we managed to facilitate several visits from Ukrainian colleagues who came to CZU in Prague. During their stay, they had the opportunity to participate in teaching at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, in addition to engaging in activities in our laboratories and experimental facilities. Unfortunately, we could not realize CZU expert visits to partner universities in Ukraine.Another integral part of our joint activities is the multidisciplinary conference MCYR, which took place in a hybrid format in 2023 (view photo gallery HERE). MCYR’s 5th edition (in 2024) will be held in Prague: MCYR Conference.
Based on our long-term experience, we are convinced of the great benefits of the AgriSci-UA project for all participants, whether they are academics, researchers, or doctoral and master's students. The project facilitates the transfer of valuable experience and knowledge and significantly develops the skills of the participants. An essential aspect is also the improvement of English language proficiency and access to publications in prestigious English-language scientific journals. The result is not only the development of the individual abilities of the project participants but also the gradually increasing prestige of the participating universities. Last but not least, maintaining an ongoing collaboration is crucial, and we'll ensure its continuation through a similar project in 2024!
