History of the Department
The Department of Standardisation and Certification of Agricultural Products was officially established on 20 June 2001 based on the decision of the Academic Council of the National Agrarian University (NAU) and the order of the university rector No. 267.
The establishment of the department was an important step in the development of agricultural education, as it became the first department in Ukraine to specialise in training specialists in the field of standardisation and certification of agricultural products.
The mission of the department is to ensure the training of highly qualified specialists in the field of standardisation, certification and quality management of agricultural products.
The educational process is focused on developing students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for successful professional activity.
A distinctive feature of the department's training of specialists is its openness, multi-vector approach and diversity in each area of activity, which allows educational programmes to be adapted to the rapidly changing requirements of the labour market and national and international standards.
Graduates of the department are able to ensure the quality and safety of food products and raw materials, which is critically important for public health. They gain knowledge on regulating relations between executive authorities, producers, suppliers, and consumers at all stages of the product life cycle, from development and production to sale and disposal.
As part of its activities, the department focuses on the development and implementation of modern food quality and safety management systems, such as HACCP, ISO 22000, as well as national standards harmonised with international requirements. The department's lecturers are actively involved in scientific research aimed at improving quality control methods and developing new methods for detecting contaminants and assessing risks. This not only enhances students' knowledge, but also makes a practical contribution to ensuring food security in the country. The department also cooperates with regulatory authorities and enterprises in the agricultural sector, providing consulting services and helping to implement best practices in the field of quality and product safety management.
The first head of the department was Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Galina Dmytrivna Humenyuk (2001–2008, 2011–2013), who laid the foundations for the organisation of the educational process, prepared teaching materials and ensured the development of regulatory documents.
Over the 25 years of its existence, the department has been headed by: S.V. Karlaščuk, PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Senior Lecturer (2008-2009), E.V. Novozhilova, PhD in Biological Sciences, Senior Research Fellow (2009-2011), Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor L.O. Nesterova (2014-2015), Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor V.Yu. Sukhenko (2015-2021), Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor O.A. Pryadko (2021-2022). Since 2022, the department has been headed by Associate Professor, Candidate of Technical Sciences Tolok G.A.
Until 2015, the department operated as part of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Bioresources Quality and Life Safety. Currently, the Department of Standardisation and Certification of Agricultural Products has become a structural unit of the Faculty of Food Technology and Quality Management of Agricultural Products. This faculty is one of the youngest at NUBiP Ukraine, but has already gained recognition as a leading educational centre in its field. The transition to the faculty has allowed the department to expand its capabilities, particularly in the field of interdisciplinary cooperation. The department works closely with other departments of the faculty, such as the Department of Meat, Fish and Seafood Technology, the Department of Public Health and Nutrition, and the Department of Agricultural Product Processing and Equipment, which allows students to gain comprehensive knowledge of food technology, quality and product safety. The dean of the faculty is Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Bal-Prylypko Larysa Vatslavivna, who provides strategic leadership and support for the development of all departments of the faculty.
The Department of Standardisation and Certification of Agricultural Products provides training for specialists under the educational programme ‘Quality, Standardisation and Certification’. This programme is aimed at developing the competencies necessary for successful professional activity in the field of quality management, standardisation and certification of agricultural products. The programme's curriculum includes subjects covering a wide range of topics: from the basics of standardisation and technical regulation to modern quality management systems (ISO 9001), food safety (HACCP, ISO 22000), as well as conformity assessment and certification methods. The programme is constantly updated in line with labour market requirements and international standards, enabling graduates to be competitive in the global market. The practical focus of the programme is ensured through close cooperation with leading enterprises and organisations in the industry.
The educational programme ‘Quality, Standardisation and Certification’ is implemented within the framework of speciality 175 ‘Information and Measurement Technologies’. This speciality combines knowledge of information technologies, measurement techniques and quality management, which is extremely relevant in the current conditions of digitalisation of the agricultural sector. Students study subjects that enable them to use modern information systems to collect, process and analyse product quality data, as well as to manage measurement processes in laboratories and in production. The combination of knowledge in quality management and information technology allows graduates to effectively implement and use automated quality control systems, product traceability systems, and participate in the development of digital solutions for quality and safety management in supply chains. This gives graduates a competitive advantage in the labour market, where digital skills are becoming increasingly important.
The Department of Standardisation and Certification of Agricultural Products has a highly qualified scientific and pedagogical staff, which ensures a high level of education. The department employs 9 scientific and pedagogical staff. All 100% scientific and pedagogical staff have a scientific degree, which is an indicator of the high scientific qualification of the team. Among them, 22.2% are doctors of science, professors, and 77.8% are doctors of philosophy (Ph.D.) or candidates of science.
This team composition allows for teaching disciplines at a high scientific and methodological level, as well as effectively managing the scientific work of students and postgraduates. A significant percentage of scientists with doctoral degrees testifies to the scientific potential of the department and its ability to conduct fundamental and applied research in the field of standardisation, certification and quality management.
Graduates of the department successfully work in enterprises of the agricultural sector of all forms of ownership. They hold positions as quality specialists, quality managers, quality management system auditors, and technical controllers. Their knowledge and skills enable them to effectively manage product and process quality, implement quality management systems, conduct internal audits, and ensure product compliance with standards and technical regulations.
Graduates of the department work in all regions of Ukraine. They are in demand at enterprises in the food industry, agriculture, trade, and government regulatory agencies. Their knowledge and skills enable them to work effectively in the Ukrainian market and contribute to improving the quality of domestic products.
Graduates of the department also work successfully outside Ukraine. Their education meets international standards, allowing them to compete in the global labour market. They work in international companies, certification and standardisation organisations, and scientific institutions abroad. Their contribution to the development of international cooperation in the field of product quality and safety is important for Ukraine's integration into the global economic space.