Olga Strilbytska, a research associate in the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, spent six weeks at a research laboratory at the University of Cagliari—one of Italy’s oldest universities. The University of Cagliari, located in the heart of Sardinia, is one of the leading research centers in Southern Italy and an active participant in the EDUC Alliance. The internship took place with the support of the EDUC R&I Fellowship program, funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe.

The EDUC R&I Fellowship is a program of short- and medium-term research mobility for researchers at all career stages, bringing together nine partner universities from seven European countries, including the University of Cagliari (Italy), the University of Potsdam (Germany), Masaryk University (Czech Republic), the University of Pécs (Hungary), and Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University (Ukraine). The program aims to acquire new competencies, build international research partnerships, and generate innovative research ideas.

The host was the research group led by Professor Christina Kokko, which specializes in the biochemistry of neuropeptides and molecular markers of neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. The laboratory employs methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and gel chromatography on animal models and human samples.

The topic of the fellowship project is “Advanced Methodological Approaches for Investigating Biomarkers of Disease Pathogenesis.” It is precisely these advanced methodological approaches to studying biomarkers in the context of disease pathogenesis that represent the intersection of interests between both research teams. During the internship, particular attention was paid to the potential applications of modern methodological approaches for studying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the associated neurobiological changes.

This fellowship is a prime example of how membership in the EDUC Alliance provides researchers at our university with real access to leading European laboratories and fosters the development of long-term international partnerships.

Based on the results of the internship, the parties outlined areas for further collaboration. They discussed the preparation of joint publications, the possibility of submitting joint grant applications, and ideas for future research. The experience gained and methodological approaches are planned to be integrated into their own research projects.

From April 19 to May 16, Lesya Danylyuk, Candidate of Legal Sciences, Associate Professor, and Head of the Department of Labor, Environmental, and Agricultural Law, participated in the R&I Fellowship program as part of the EDUC-WIDE project.

The international internship took place at the Department of Environmental and Land Law at Masaryk University (Czech Republic) under the supervision of the department head, Doctor of Law Vojtěch Vomáčka.

The main goal of the research mobility is to develop academic partnerships between universities participating in the EDUC Alliance.

Lesia Danyliuk’s work program was dedicated to the topic “The Environmental-Legal Vector of Sustainable Development (EU Experience and Prospects for Implementation in the Context of Ukraine’s Post-War and European Integration Environmental Policy).”

During the project, participants were able to launch a new direction for scientific research, exchange experience in teaching academic disciplines that are similarly implemented at the Educational and Scientific Law Institute, and discuss prospects for further cooperation.

Upon completion of the internship, the parties expressed their mutual desire to establish and expand research, educational, and grant initiatives.

As part of the EDUC-WIDE project, and specifically within the framework of Work Package 5, our employees the opportunity to participate in a Gender Equality Workshop at Masaryk University in Brno.
The workshop featured insightful presentations on:
• Ethical governance from a gender perspective.
• Integrating gender into teaching and research activities.
• Data analytics tools to assess the gender dimension in Open Science.
• Implementing Gender Equality Plans in Research: Navigating the Ukrainian Context – an opportunity to share Ukrainian practices and challenges.
The event was enriched by productive discussions and knowledge-sharing, bringing together experts and representatives from across the EDUC alliance.
We’re excited to bring these insights back to Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University and take the next steps toward developing and implementing effective best practices. Collaborating with the EDUC alliance provides invaluable support in advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity within our institution.

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What role does the government play?

Is “gender equality” poorly marketed or misunderstood?

Do we all truly share the same understanding of these concepts?

On October 17-18, First Vice-Rector Valentyna Yakubiv and Horizon Europe Project Manager Iryna Hryhoruk paid a working visit to the University of Cagliari (Italy) as part of the EDUC Digital University Alliance.

At the meeting of the EDUC Alliance Steering Committee, they discussed

– intermediate results of the implementation of existing EDUC alliance projects;

– strategic objectives within the alliance of digital universities in the context of digitalization development;

– a plan for preparing a project proposal for a new project within the universities of the alliance to ensure the sustainability of the results and new opportunities in digital development.

Through systematic working meetings with the universities of the EDUC Digital University Alliance, we are developing a system of open science and interdisciplinary research with partners: University of Potsdam (Germany), Masaryk University (Czech Republic), University of Southeastern Norway (Norway), University of Cagliari (Italy), University of Jaume I (Spain), University of Paris Nanterre (France), University of Rennes (France), University of Pecs (Hungary).

From October 1 to 4, 2024, the EDUC Staff Week was held in the city of Pécs, Hungary, in which representatives of our university took part: specialist of the educational and scientific center for research, projects and scientific information Anna Boryshchak and leading specialist of the department of international relations Kateryna Kobuta.

This event, organized as part of the European Digital UniverCity (EDUC) alliance initiative, was aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening ties between European universities.

The EDUC Staff Week program included a series of lectures and practical workshops covering important topics, including:

• Basics of communication and community building in international communities within European universities;

• Communication in the conditions of modern social media;

• Interaction with generations Z and Alpha.

The participants had the opportunity to take part in volunteer activities, namely making toys for sick children.

The event was a great opportunity for participants to share best practices, establish new connections and discuss future directions of cooperation.

As a result, specialists of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University gained new experience, which will contribute to the further development of the university, as well as strengthening its position in the European educational space.

Valentyna Yakubiv, First Vice-Rector of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, and Iryna Hryhoruk, Head of the Research Department, participated in working meetings at the University of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) on September 12-13 as part of the EDUC-WIDE project under the Horizon Europe program.

The university representatives:

• • Presented the research infrastructure of Precarpathian University.
  • Discussed prospects for forming joint research groups among universities of the EDUC European Digital Universities Alliance.
  • Outlined a roadmap for university researchers’ participation in research projects under the 2024-2025 competitions.

Continuing the work, Valentyna Yakubiv and Iryna Hryhoruk emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in scientific research, which can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of joint initiatives. Particular attention was paid to the opportunities for involving young scientists in international research projects, which will enhance their qualifications and facilitate the exchange of experience.

Additionally, a number of agreements were reached during the event regarding future joint conferences, seminars, and workshops, which will contribute to deepening cooperation between universities, members of the EDUC alliance.

Concluding the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation within the Horizon Europe program, which opens up new horizons for scientists and education as a whole. Subsequent steps were agreed upon,including the planning of further meetings, which will contribute to expanding scientific ties and activating innovative activities.

As a result of the meeting, 9 university research centers were identified that will collaborate with scientists from Université Paris Nanterre (France), University of Pécs (Hungary), University of Potsdam (Germany), Università degli Studi di Cagliari (Italy), Universitat Jaume (Spain), Masaryk University (Czech Republic), University of South-Eastern Norway (Norway), and Université de Rennes (France).