Currently, Ukraine is experiencing an active phase of military operations, significantly impacting ecosystem components: water resources, flora, fauna, and soil. Since Ukraine positions itself as an agricultural state, the latter component—soil—has exceptional importance. With the onset of the full-scale invasion, the issue of potential soil contamination has raised concerns among global leaders, as crops grown on such soil may be polluted.
In response to this challenge, scientists from Sumy National Agrarian University initiated research into soil contamination by heavy metals and explored the possibilities of its remediation. Thanks to the university’s active efforts, international partners have shown growing interest in collaboration.
In particular, Dr. Oksana Datsko, a senior lecturer at the Department of Agrotechnologies and Soil Science, had the opportunity to undertake an internship at the Soil and Environment Laboratory (Laboratoire Sols & Environnement) of the University of Lorraine (Université de Lorraine – INRAE) in Nancy, France. This opportunity was made possible through the Women in STEM program. The laboratory specializes in studying the impact of anthropogenic factors on soils, preserving biodiversity, and restoring the quality of contaminated environments. Its primary areas of focus include developing soil quality diagnostic methods, studying soil functioning and development, and optimizing agricultural crops by analyzing interactions among soils, plants, and organisms.
Oksana Datsko’s visit opened new opportunities for collaboration between institutions. During her internship, she presented the results of research conducted within the framework of projects with the Royal Agricultural University (UK) and discussed prospects for joint research with laboratory colleagues.
Additionally, Oksana Datsko had the opportunity to attend dissertation defenses of doctoral students conducting research based at the laboratory, meet with the management team, and familiarize herself with the institution’s technical infrastructure. During her stay, a draft grant application was prepared, and prospects for academic mobility for students and faculty members of the Faculty of Agrotechnologies and Natural Resource Management were discussed.
