UzhNU scientists participated in the launch conference of the international project ETALON in Romania
On July 26-28, 2026, the kick-off conference of the international project ETALON - "Educational energy technologies for advanced learning and organized network" (ROUA00500), which is implemented as part of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine 2021-2027 Program, was held in the city of Suceava (Romania). The ETALON project is aimed at the development of a modern cross-border educational ecosystem in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Its key results will be the creation of specialized Energy Labs, the development of a digital educational platform, training modules, conducting energy audits, as well as the organization of trainings for students, specialists and representatives of territorial communities.
The partners of the project are the "Stefan cel Mare" University in Suceava (Romania), the NGO "Center for European Initiatives" (Ukraine) and the Uzhhorod National University (Ukraine).
The launch conference brought together representatives of higher education institutions, local self-government bodies, public organizations and the expert community of Ukraine and Romania. The participants discussed the main stages of project implementation, mechanisms of international cooperation, distribution of tasks between partners and prospects for the implementation of modern educational and technological solutions in the field of sustainable energy.
Uzhhorod National University was represented at the conference by Natalia KOROL, Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Organic Chemistry of the National Institute of Chemistry and Ecology, Mykhailo SLIVKA, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor, Professor of the Department of Organic Chemistry of the National Institute of Chemistry and Ecology, Director of the Problem Research Laboratory of Chemistry and Ecology, and Kateryna SKUBENYCH, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Head of the Research Department of the Uzhhorod National University. During the speeches, the representatives of our university presented the educational, scientific and innovative potential of the university, modern research infrastructure and experience in the implementation of international projects. Special attention was paid to the scientific developments of UzhNU in the field of the latest materials for energy, innovative technologies, the development of international grant activity and the commercialization of the results of scientific research. In particular, in her report Nataliya Korol emphasized: "We consider this project as a platform for training a new generation of specialists who will possess modern competencies in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy».
Mykhailo Slivka presented the scientific achievements of PNDL HE in the field of organic chemistry and materials science, in particular, the results of research that can be used to create modern energy-efficient materials and technologies, that is, in fact, primary sources from which we make ready-made solutions for energy saving. It was stated that one of the specified projects is a research with the grant support of the National Research Fund of Ukraine "Strategy of directed synthesis of functional chalcogen halide materials for the needs of medicine and energy" (project №. 2023.03/0176), the results of which are hybrid materials for opto-electronics and for solid-state superionics, which can be used as solid electrolytes for lithium-free batteries, as solar energy converters or electrolytes with high thermal and mechanical characteristics.
The head of the research department, Kateryna Skubenych, presented the system of organizing scientific and innovative activities of UzhNU, as well as the university's international scientific grant activities. Particular attention was paid to the key scientific areas of the university, the development of the innovation ecosystem, the protection of intellectual property and the possibilities of technology transfer, which creates a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the ETALON project.
During the conference, the partners also discussed the further plan for project implementation, the creation of Energy Labs, the preparation of joint educational programs, conducting information campaigns and trainings for communities, as well as mechanisms for ensuring the sustainability of results after the completion of the project.
It is expected that the implementation of ETALON will contribute to the improvement of the professional competences of students and specialists, the dissemination of modern knowledge about energy efficiency and renewable energy, the development of cross-border partnership between Ukraine and Romania, as well as the formation of a culture of responsible energy consumption in border communities.
The launch conference became an important stage in the initiation of international cooperation within the ETALON project and laid the foundation for further joint work of partners on the creation of innovative educational solutions in the field of sustainable energy.
According to the information of the research department of UzhNU
