OPENING OF THE AQUACULTURE RESEARCH LABORATORY – Sumy National Agrarian University

On 30 May 2024, the Aquaculture Research Laboratory, established as part of the AFISHE project, was opened at the Sumy National Agrarian University. The laboratory was established with financial support from the European Commission as part of the EU Erasmus+ programme. It is housed in the Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology at the Faculty of Biology and Technology.

The laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility designed to support the new “Aquaculture Technology” training programme and enable advanced research activities. It specialises in hydroecology, hydrobiology, hydrochemistry and the selection and breeding of various aquatic organisms. The event was moderated by Viktoriia Vechorka, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Technology.

The laboratory was officially opened by Yuriy Danko, Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Affairs. He emphasised that the event was an important step towards increasing the quality of education and improving conditions for students. In his remarks, he explained: “The equipment installed in this laboratory will enable cutting-edge research on pressing issues, provide a strong impetus for further international cooperation in the scientific field and promote the development potential of Ukrainian aquaculture as a whole.”

To facilitate joint research initiatives, an agreement entitled “On Mutual Access to Research Infrastructure” (Agreement No. 7 of 12 March 2024) was signed between Sumy National University and the National University of Water Management and Environmental Management in the city of Rivne. This agreement paves the way for further cooperation between the two institutions.

The event also welcomed potential employers, who congratulated the faculty on the opening of the laboratory and expressed their hopes for its success. They emphasised that the laboratory’s work will lead to high-quality education for students who will be in demand on the labour market.

At the end of the event, Viktoriia Vechorka announced plans to open another facility in the near future — a teaching and practical laboratory for aquaculture. This new space will allow students to gain practical experience in the cultivation of aquatic bioresources.