European project EU_NITRA_UKR: masterclasses by the Department of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry and Water Quality for the youth of Poltava region with a career guidance focus.

When science goes beyond the classroom and becomes part of a live dialogue with young people, true interest is born – one that can shape the future. With this very goal in mind, the lecturers of the Department of Analytical and Bioinorganic Chemistry and Water Quality of the Agrobiological Faculty of NUBiP of Ukraine – Head of the Department Tetiana USHCHAPIVSKA and Associate Professor Olga KRAVCHENKO – implemented a series of career guidance events in 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 took place in the format of a lively and constructive dialogue, during which school students actively inquired about the specifics of the 2026 admission campaign. The university lecturers emphasised that NUBiP of Ukraine is today a leading research university that offers students a unique combination of knowledge and practical experience through international exchange programmes, double degrees with European higher education institutions, and internships at leading agro-industrial holdings. Of particular interest to the young people was the information about the digitalisation of the agricultural sector, the use of unmanned technologies and precision farming in the educational process, which transforms the modern agronomist into a high-tech specialist. In addition, the lecturers highlighted the advantages of studying in an ecologically clean area of Kyiv – the Holosievo district – where excellent infrastructure for learning, sports development, and creativity has been established.

The central element of the career guidance programme was an interactive masterclass on determining temporary water hardness and express analysis of nitrate content in water, vegetable and fruit samples, which students and teachers had prepared in advance for the study. The scientific significance of the event was further enhanced by its integration within the framework of the international project "Preventing Nitrate Pollution for Environmental Health: European Experience in Implementing the Nitrates Directive for the Ukrainian Circular Economy" (EU_NITRA_UKR).The lecturers did not merely demonstrate the techniques; they directly engaged the schoolchildren in performing chemical experiments, which generated genuine excitement and sincere enthusiasm among the audience. The process of turning theory into practical results was accompanied by active feedback, a flood of profound questions, and emotional discussion of the outcomes. This format allowed students to see for themselves how science helps control the quality of food and the state of the environment. The masterclass clearly demonstrated that modern agronomy and chemistry are not just textbooks, but real tools for protecting human health and nature.

Overall, the trip by the lecturers of the Agrobiological Faculty of NUBiP of Ukraine to the Poltava region was a significant step in building partnerships between the university and secondary education institutions in the region. We extend our sincere gratitude to the administrations of Pyriatyn Lyceums No. 1 and No. 4 and Chornukhy Lyceum named after H.S. Skovoroda for their assistance in organising the career guidance work. We are confident that the knowledge and practical experience gained will help graduates make an informed choice in favour of promising professions, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming the talented youth of the Poltava region to NUBiP of Ukraine.

We express special gratitude to our defenders – both men and women. It is thanks to their courage, resilience, and daily heroism that we have the opportunity to live, work, teach young people, and together create a future for the benefit of our free Ukraine. Deep bow to our heroes!

Link to the lyceums' Facebook

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