In November 2024, a delegation from Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design visited the University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Romania, as part of the inaugural Erasmus+ International Cooperation Staff Week held from November 18th to 22nd. The event brought together more than 30 participants from various countries, fostering a vibrant platform for academic exchange and collaboration.
The KNUTD delegation included Olena Hryhorevska, Director of the Educational and Methodical Center for Management of Training; Tetiana Bukoros, Director of the Scientific and Educational Library; Olena Yershova, Head of the Information Support and Technology Transfer Department and Anna Sinilkina, Coordinator of the Sector of International Educational Programs. This diverse team represented a wide range of academic and administrative perspectives, contributing significantly to the exchange success.
Founded in 1945, the University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara (ULST) is a distinguished higher education institution in Romania, renowned for its focus on agriculture, life sciences, and sustainable development. ULST encompasses six faculties: Agriculture, Engineering and Applied Technologies, Management and Rural Tourism, Veterinary Medicine, Food Engineering, and Bioengineering of Animal Resources. The university actively promotes international collaboration through Erasmus+ and various other professional and academic initiatives, earning its reputation as a hub for global academic partnerships.
The first day of the Erasmus+ International Cooperation Staff Week at ULST began with a warm welcome from the International Relations Office and representatives of the host university. The KNUTD delegation presented gifts and conveyed greetings on behalf of Rector Prof. Ivan Gryshchenko to ULST Rector Prof. Dr. Cosmin Alin Popescu and Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator Dr. Raul Pascalau, symbolizing the strong ties between the institutions.
Participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their universities, with attendees representing countries such as Romania, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Portugal, Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
International exchange students at ULST also joined the week’s activities, enriching the discussions with their perspectives. The day concluded with an insightful lecture, "CBHE – International Cooperation," delivered by Dr. Cosmin Salasan, which addressed challenges in project development and strategies for success.
The second day focused on Capacity Building in Higher Education projects. Participants engaged in workshops and presentations, exchanging best practices for drafting and submitting project proposals.
Dr. Raul Pascalau highlighted new opportunities under Erasmus+ funding calls, encouraging innovative approaches.
The day also included professional development activities, such as a visit to the ULST Library and discussions with students about their academic experiences. ULST representatives showcased their approach to technology transfer, emphasizing community collaboration to advance innovation and practical research.
On the third day, participants explored the integration of digitalization within internationalization processes in higher education institutions. The session, "Digitalization in Internationalization and Higher Education Institutions," focused on innovative practices for global collaboration.
The KNUTD delegation also toured the laboratories of the Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at ULST, gaining insights into the university’s advanced research facilities and interdisciplinary projects.
Cultural activities organized by ULST added a personal and meaningful dimension to the day, deepening participants' connection to the local heritage of Timișoara.
The highlight of the fourth day was the International Symposium of Young Researchers, which was inaugurated with welcoming remarks by ULST Rector Prof. Dr. Cosmin Alin Popescu, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in advancing research. The event brought together over 400 participants from various countries to present research findings and engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue. The symposium emphasized the role of young researchers in tackling global challenges through innovation and scientific inquiry.
The final day of the program featured a reflection session where participants shared their experiences and key takeaways from the week. Certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees, marking the successful conclusion of the International Cooperation Staff Week. A significant achievement of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ULST and KNUTD, aimed at strengthening educational and scientific collaboration.
The KNUTD delegation highlighted the invaluable contacts and future partnerships established during the week, expressing gratitude to ULST and the event organizers for their warm hospitality and excellent program. This exchange not only reinforced the collaboration between KNUTD and ULST but also laid the foundation for potential future projects under the Erasmus+ framework. KNUTD looks forward to continued cooperation and future initiatives with ULST and the wider international academic community!
13.12.2024
