Uzhhorod Becomes a STEM Hub: New Agreements and Opportunities for Teachers

The project “STEMLab Synergy: Building Skills for the Future in Ukrainian and Romanian Schools” (ROUA00153) is making steady progress, demonstrating significant new results on the path to modernizing education in the cross-border region. Two key events recently took place, laying the foundation for systemic changes in the teaching of STEM disciplines: the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Cooperation and the official approval of an innovative teacher training program.

An important milestone in the project’s implementation was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the State Higher Educational Institution “Uzhhorod National University” and the Education Department of the Uzhhorod City Council. The document was signed by Ihor Korol, Vice Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work at UzhNU, and Nataliia Baranyuk, Head of the Education Department.

The purpose of this agreement is to ensure effective cooperation for the implementation of the project, which is funded with the support of the European Union under the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine Program 2021–2027.

The cooperation includes: In parallel with the establishment of the partnership, the Academic Council of UzhNU officially approved the program for the interdisciplinary integrated course “STEM-SYNERGY PRO: FROM IDEA TO IMPLEMENTATION.” This program was developed specifically for the professional development of STEM education teachers in the Zakarpattia region and Satu Mare County.

• Integration of UzhNU’s newly established scientific laboratories into the educational process of the city’s schools.
• Ensuring equal access for students and teachers to modern equipment and innovative methodologies.
• Organizational support for joint educational events and professional development programs.

Key features of the program:Through the implementation of these steps, Uzhhorod National University is transforming into a true STEM hub, which will provide access to high-quality practical education for over 20 local schools. This will allow the region’s youth to master the skills of the future, drawing on best European practices and modern technologies.

• The program is designed for 30 hours (1 ECTS credit).
• The course covers the use of artificial intelligence (Gemini, NotebookLM), digital tools, and the “STEAM Wheel” methodology for self-reflection.
• Teachers will learn to develop STEM lesson plans, create educational media content, and utilize the resources of four new laboratories at UzhNU (chemistry, physics, biology, and robotics).

Information prepared by project methodologist Tetiana PALKO

This publication was prepared with the support of the European Union. Uzhhorod National University is solely responsible for the content of this material, and it does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the management bodies of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine 2021-2027 Program.

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