On January 9, the lecturers of Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University Oksana Tsos and Maria Boiaryn held working meetings with the assistant professors of Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technologies of Jan Dlugosz University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Częstochowa (Republic of Poland) Anna Nowyk-Zajonc and Barbara Majczak. The parties discussed topical issues regarding the “Double Diploma” programme, with participating students of Faculty of Chemistry, Ecology and Pharmacy majoring 101 Ecology (“Biotechnology” in the partner institution of higher education) and 102 Chemistry (“Chemistry of Medicine” respectively).

The colleagues talked about the peculiarities of the educational process at the Yan Dlugos University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, the academic success of our students and their living conditions during their studies in Poland. We sincerely thanked our Polish colleagues for their care, because at the beginning of the war, this partner institution of higher education provided rooms in the dormitory free of charge not only to our students, but also to their families.

There is also good news for students majoring in Ecology 101, because starting next academic year, they can choose one of two majors under the “Double Diploma” programme, either “Biotechnology” or “Production and Marketing of Food Products.” The simultaneous acquisition of two diplomas by students will expand their opportunities on labour market.

On January 10, a meeting was held with Polish colleagues from Faculty of Agricultural Bioengineering and Animal Husbandry at the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Selce, in particular, the Dean, Professor Jacyk Sosnowski, Professor Tereza Skrayna, and Associate Professor Maria Lugowska.

The lecturers of Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection have been cooperating with this higher education institution for more than a year, had been on internships, as well as Polish colleagues who came to Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University for internships, conducted research, and prepared joint publications. This time we agreed to organise a scientific conference in the field of ecology with both universities as founders. Possible directions of future scientific research were also discussed.

Oksana TSOS, Maria BOIARYN,

Associate Professors of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection