Environmental safety and the science of the future: how the EU_NITRA_UKR project opens new horizons for Poltava region school students  

When science goes beyond the classroom and becomes part of a live dialogue with youth, a genuine interest is born that can define the future. With this goal in mind, faculty members of the Department of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry and Water Quality at the Agrobiological Faculty of NULES of Ukraine - Head of the Department Tetiana USHCHAPIVSKA and Associate Professor Olha KRAVCHENKO - implemented a series of career guidance events in general secondary education institutions of the Poltava region (Pyriatyn Lyceum No. 4, Pyriatyn Lyceum No. 1, and Chornukhy Lyceum of I-III degrees named after H.S. Skovoroda).

The meetings were held in a format of live and constructive dialogue, during which students actively inquired about the specifics of the 2026 admission campaign. University lecturers emphasized that NUBiP of Ukraine is a leading research university today, offering students a unique combination of knowledge and practical experience through international exchange programs, double degrees with European higher education institutions, and internships in top agro-industrial holdings. The youth showed particular interest in the digitalization of the agricultural sector, the use of drone technology, and precision farming in the educational process, which transforms a modern agronomist into a high-tech specialist. Furthermore, the lecturers highlighted the advantages of studying in an ecologically clean area of Kyiv, the Holosiiv district, which features excellent infrastructure for learning, sports development, and creativity.

The central element of the career guidance program was an interactive masterclass on determining temporary water hardness and rapid analysis of nitrate content in samples of water, vegetables, and fruits that students and teachers had prepared in advance. The event gained significant scientific weight through its integration into the international project “Nitrate Pollution Prevention for Environmental Health: European Experience in Implementing the Nitrates Directive for the Ukrainian Circular Economy” (EU_NITRA_UKR). Instead of just demonstrating methods, the lecturers directly involved the students in conducting chemical experiments, which caused genuine excitement and sincere enthusiasm among the audience.

The process of turning theory into practical results was accompanied by active feedback, a sea of deep questions, and emotional discussions of the results. This format allowed students to see firsthand how science helps control product quality and the state of the environment. The masterclass vividly demonstrated that modern agronomy and chemistry are not just textbooks, but real tools for protecting human health and nature.

Overall, the visit of the Agrobiological Faculty faculty from NUBiP of Ukraine to the Poltava region was a significant step in building a partnership between the university and regional secondary education institutions. We express our sincere gratitude to the administrations of Pyriatyn Lyceums No. 1 and No. 4 and the Chornukhy Lyceum named after H.S. Skovoroda for their assistance in organizing this career guidance work. We are convinced that the knowledge and practical experience gained will help graduates make a conscious choice in favor of promising professions, and we look forward to welcoming the talented youth of the Poltava region to NUBiP of Ukraine.

The integration of career guidance activities into the international project “Nitrate Pollution Prevention for Environmental Health” (EU_NITRA_UKR) allowed students not only to get acquainted with the university but also to become part of a global initiative. Practical experience in the rapid analysis of products and water clearly demonstrated that modern chemistry and agronomy are powerful tools for implementing European environmental safety standards and developing the Ukrainian circular economy.

We express special gratitude to our defenders. It is thanks to their courage, resilience, and daily heroism that we have the opportunity to live, work, teach youth, and jointly create a future for the benefit of our free Ukraine. A low bow to our heroes!