A Step Toward Integration into the European Research and Education Area: NULES Scientists Complete Internship at Cluj-Napoca University (Romania) via Erasmus+
From April 20 to 24, 2026, faculty members from the Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Animal Health — Professor Liliia Vyhovska and Associate Professor Serhii Honcharov — participated in the European Union’s Erasmus+ KA171-2023 academic mobility program. The internship was hosted by the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca (USAMV Cluj-Napoca), widely recognized as one of Europe’s leading educational and research centers in the field of agriculture.
The history of this institution dates back to October 1869, with the founding of the Cluj Higher School of Agriculture under the name "Cluj-Manastur Institute of Agronomic Studies." Today, the university serves as a distinguished successor to this prestigious establishment, blending rich traditions with innovative approaches to teaching and research.
As part of the mobility program, the participants gained in-depth insight into the university's structure, historical evolution, and modern organization of the educational process. Particular focus was placed on the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which stands out for its high level of professional training and robust infrastructure.
Specifically, the NULES representatives visited the university’s Veterinary Clinic, which operates in close coordination with the faculty's advanced laboratory infrastructure. This laboratory allows for a wide range of complex research procedures that meet the highest international standards. Another highlight was the visit to the Research Center for Comparative and Experimental Pathology, a key hub for the university’s scientific activities.
Professor Liliia Vyhovska visited the center's Microbiology Laboratory, headed by Professor Nicodim-Iosif Fit. Dr. Zuza Kalmar provided a detailed overview of the primary research areas and demonstrated the modern equipment used for the laboratory diagnosis of infectious animal diseases, showcasing the unit's technical excellence and scientific potential.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor Serhii Honcharov worked in the Parasitology Laboratory alongside Dr. Georgiana Deak. Together, they practiced modern molecular genetic methods for the detection and identification of parasitic pathogens. Special emphasis was placed on diagnosing pathogens dangerous to both animals and humans, highlighting the importance of the "One Health" interdisciplinary approach in veterinary medicine.
An essential component of the internship was attending academic classes to observe teaching methodologies firsthand. Dr. Cristiana-Ștefania Novac, an assistant professor, conducted microbiology laboratory sessions, demonstrating modern practical training techniques. Lecture sessions delivered by Professors Nicodim-Iosif Fit and Sorin Rapuntean were equally insightful, merging a strong theoretical foundation with current scientific advancements. Notably, the educational process is conducted in both Romanian and English, reflecting the university’s strong international orientation.
A significant event of the visit was a meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Nicodim-Iosif Fit, who held a productive and friendly discussion with the Erasmus+ participants. The meeting focused on future cooperation between the veterinary faculties of USAMV Cluj-Napoca and NULES of Ukraine. Both parties expressed hopes for deepening academic ties, implementing joint research projects, and expanding international mobility programs. The Dean wished the participants continued success in their educational and research endeavors.
Participation in the Erasmus+ program marks a vital step toward the comprehensive integration of NULES of Ukraine into the European educational and scientific space. The experience gained, along with new knowledge and professional contacts, will enhance the quality of the educational process and bolster scientific research. Such initiatives open new horizons for international cooperation and reaffirm the commitment of Ukrainian veterinary education to meeting the highest global standards.
The staff of the Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Animal Health express their sincere gratitude to Professors Nicodim-Iosif Fit, Cosmin Muresan, and Simona Oros, the administration and staff of USAMV Cluj-Napoca, Professor Maryna Galat, and the leadership of NULES of Ukraine for the opportunity to participate in the EU Erasmus+ program and for their comprehensive support throughout this project.