Strengthening AgriSciences in Ukraine: AgriSci-UA

Project objectives:

The primary goal of this project is to enhance the capabilities and collaboration among universities in the area of AgriSciences and to improve the scientific capacities of young educators, researchers, and postgraduate students at select Ukrainian universities. This will be accomplished through the continued development of the AgriSciences Platform, which focuses on increasing expertise in key areas of agrarian sciences, crucial for Ukraine’s post-war development.

Beyond traditional AgriSciences topics, the project addresses urgent issues specific to present-day Ukraine, including the environmental and social impacts of the war. These topics include war waste, deforestation due to conflict, ecosystem disturbances, air and water contamination, loss of access to vital water resources (e.g., the Black Sea), soil pollution and its consequences, biodiversity losses, and the impact of migration on the agricultural sector.

Furthermore, the project will also foster the formation of multidisciplinary research teams and offer grant opportunities to address these emerging challenges. These initiatives are critical for addressing Ukraine's needs during and after the conflict.

As part of the platform's growth, a series of training sessions will be held, led by both Czech and Ukrainian experts. These sessions will aim to enhance scientific outputs, improve publication activities, and expand specialized knowledge. All these efforts will be integrated under the AgriSci Scientific Academy.

Additionally, the project will promote information sharing and strengthen research capacities through mobility programs. At least 10 selected young Ukrainian scientists will be given the opportunity to intern at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU).

Another important aspect of the project is sharing best practices in gender equality, inclusion, and diversity within academia, meeting the specific needs of partner universities.

Furthermore, the project seeks to motivate Ukrainian students to pursue studies in the Czech Republic by disseminating information about the Czech Government’s scholarship program. Building on the success of previous projects in Ukraine, this initiative will deepen the interconnections among universities focused on agricultural sciences. This enhanced cooperation will not only strengthen ties between institutions but also bolster their roles within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Guarantor: Doc. Hynek Roubík, roubik@ftz.czu.cz

Administrator: Marek Jelínek, marekjelinek@ftz.czu.cz