Internship at the University of York: Summing Up the Joint Work of British and Ukrainian Scientists within the Project "Kharkiv-York Partnership Towards a Zero Pollution Environment in Post-War Ukraine"

For over a year, Karazin University and the University of York have been collaborating effectively within the Twinning program initiated by the Cormack Consultancy Group. This partnership has enabled the development and implementation of a series of important projects. 

Specifically, from July 6th to July 14th and from August 17th to August 30th, 2023, 14 doctoral candidates and school members from Karazin University participated in a summer school as part of the "Kharkiv-York Partnership Towards a Zero Pollution Environment in Post-War Ukraine" project. This internship took place in the city of York on the campus of the University of York, one of the leading educational institutions in the United Kingdom.

The focus of the summer school was to explore ways to achieve a pollution-free environment in post-war Ukraine. Achieving this goal involved the development of various collaborative projects, including research into the role of the most hazardous chemical substances and mixtures in water and environmental pollution, the study of different methods for purifying wastewater and air in residential areas, and the development of a project on the degradation of micro-pollutants using cold plasma. 

Participants in the summer school enhanced their knowledge and skills and gained new experience in working with portable devices in field conditions and scientific laboratories. They also familiarized themselves with new methods for studying air pollution and its purification, improved their programming skills in Matlab, and learned about the University of York's experience in organizing the educational process, promoting the research work of employees, and modern trends in environmental research.

During the summer school, participants visited the scientific laboratories and centers of the University of York, including the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity, the Centre for Bio-renewable Energy, the York Institute for Sustainability, the Centre for Innovative Agricultural Products, the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, and the Stockholm Environmental Institute. 

Significant attention was given to the planning of future joint projects with the University of York and the search for funding to combat environmental pollution in Ukraine. 

Participants also visited and learned from the experience of leading British companies engaged in environmental cleanup, such as Yorwaste, Croda, Fera Science, and Northumbrian Water Bran Sands.

In addition to intensive educational activities, the University of York organized an interesting and rich cultural program that allowed Karazin students to explore the history and traditions of the city of York and experience its unique atmosphere. They visited historical landmarks such as Heslington Hall, Clifford's Tower, Howard Castle, the North York Moors National Park, and the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield.

Karazin University is grateful to the University of York for this incredible opportunity. The collaboration between Karazin University and the University of York continues, so stay tuned for more updates!