Good collaborations do not stop - they grow!

Despite the challenges caused by the war, the need for international cooperation, scientific exchange and education remains strong. On 16 October, 2026, SLU welcomed a delegation from Stepan Gzhytsky National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies of Lviv (LNUVMB), Ukraine, for a workshop focused on strengthening collaboration in research and education. The delegation included Mykhailo Podolyak, Vice-Rector for International Collaboration; Kateryna Yankovska, Head of the International Relations Department; Khrystyna Malysheva, PhD, Department of Biotechnology; and Alla Zhelezniak, PhD, Department of Information Technology. The meeting brought together colleagues who share an interest in research, education and finding practical solutions to common challenges. Beyond presentations, the workshop provided time for open conversations, questions and ideas for future collaboration.

From existing partnerships to new ideas

The programme reflected the breadth of research at SLU and the opportunities for collaboration with Ukrainian colleagues. Vadim Kessler presented research in bionanotechnology at SLU, and Mykhailo Podolyak introduced priority areas of the research at LNUVMB.

Jannis Dimitriou from SLU Global discussed existing collaboration between SLU and Ukrainian universities. “SLU already has many valuable collaborations with Ukrainian universities, and we hope to build on these existing connections. By sharing knowledge and expertise, we can develop new research projects, strengthen educational cooperation and create even more opportunities for our researchers and students to work together”,  said Jannis Dimitriou.

Oksana Valetska presented results from the CiNURGi project on recycled nutrient fertilisers for sustainable agriculture. Galia Zamaratskaia introduced LEARNSAVE, a project addressing the challenges of learning and teaching under attack, and Oksana Golovko presented research on using biochar and white-rot fungi to remove micropollutants from wastewater and surface water.

The topics differed, but the meeting had a common purpose: to identify where expertise, experience and research interests could come together.

Collaboration built on trust

For Ukrainian researchers, international partnerships can provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop research projects and strengthen education despite the difficulties caused by the war. For SLU, collaboration offers opportunities to learn from Ukrainian colleagues and develop research that addresses challenges shared across countries.

Mykhailo Podolyak, representing LNUVMB, said: “I believe that collaboration between SLU and Ukrainian universities is important not only for supporting education, but also for developing joint research projects. I hope this meeting will help us identify new opportunities to work together, exchange knowledge and develop ideas into concrete projects that benefit both our universities”.

Looking ahead

The workshop concluded with further discussions about opportunities for cooperation. While the meeting provided a chance to reflect on existing partnerships, its focus was also firmly on the future.

For both universities, the next step is to build on the ideas exchanged here, and identify opportunities for collaboration in research, education and joint projects.