Future of Ukraine: Cherkasy region lyceum students explore eu nitrates directive and real-world chemical analysis through student Oksana Lobotska’s initiative  

 Oksana LOBOTSKA, a 3rd-year student of the Agrobiological Faculty of NUBiP of Ukraine and a laboratory assistant at the Department of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry & Water Quality, conducted a series of large-scale career orientation events from April 20-24, 2026. These sessions were held for graduating students of Lysianka Lyceum №1, Lysianka Lyceum №2, and Boyarka Lyceum in the Cherkasy region. The main goal of the meetings was to popularize natural sciences and introduce young people to the prospects of studying at one of the country's leading universities.

The program was designed as a combination of theoretical knowledge and a spectacular practical part. During the meetings, schoolchildren learned about the role of chemistry in modern agricultural production and environmental monitoring. Particular attention was paid to current environmental challenges, specifically the problem of nitrate pollution of natural resources.

As part of the Jean Monnet project under the Erasmus+ program, “Nitrate Pollution Prevention for Health Environment: European Experience of the Nitrates Directive Implementation for a Ukrainian Circular Economy”, Oksana Lobotska introduced the lyceum students to the provisions of the EU Nitrates Directive. The European environmental approaches were explained in an accessible way, highlighting how they help preserve the environment and why monitoring nitrate levels is critical for the sustainable development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Such educational work promotes environmental awareness among youth and fosters a responsible attitude toward the environment.

The practical part of the event caused a real stir among the students. Oksana conducted a series of demonstration chemical experiments that vividly illustrated the "magic" of reactions and the possibilities of analytical chemistry. The most valuable aspect for the students was the interactive format: anyone interested could personally participate in the experiments. Working with genuine laboratory glassware and professional reagents, the lyceum students were able to feel like young scientists, conducting their first chemical research under the guidance of a specialist.

Such career-oriented initiatives are an important stage in forming the future human resource potential of the agricultural industry and help students make an informed choice of a profession related to science and innovation.

The events contributed not only to deepening knowledge in chemistry but also to popularizing agricultural specialties among rural youth. The lyceum graduates learned more about the advantages of studying at NUBiP of Ukraine, particularly at the Faculty of Agrobiology, about the vibrant student life, and the wide range of employment opportunities. As a member of the administrative group of project 101238988  EU_NITRA_UKR, 3rd-year student Oksana Lobotska shared her own experience of successfully combining studies with her work as a laboratory assistant at the department. This served as an excellent example of professional fulfilment starting from student days and participation in the implementation of relevant educational activities of the European project.