Teachers of Sumy National Agrarian University continue to develop cooperation with one of the leading European educational institutions – the University of Porto (Universidade do Porto, Portugal). For the fourth time, SNAU scientists visited the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS) as par an academic mobility program funded by the European ERASMUS+ project.
During the month, the scientific and pedagogical staff of SNAU – Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor Oksana Shkromada, Candidate of Veterinary Sciences, Associate Professor Halyna Rebenko, PhD Yevheniia Dudnyk and PhD, Associate Professor Oleksandr Mykhalko – underwent an internship in accordance with approved individual programs under the guidance of Professors Augusto Faustino, João Mesquito, Nelson Gonçao and their colleagues.
The internship program covered a wide range of activities: familiarization with the organization of the educational process, visits to veterinary clinics for both farm animals, where all conditions for students to live and practice practical skills in clinical disciplines, and small animals at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Special attention was paid to modern methods of visual diagnostics, therapeutic and surgical care for animals.
Active participation in laboratory research was a key element of the internship. The SNAU teachers mastered the methods of working with high-tech equipment, such as PCR analysis systems, chromatographs, and other means for conducting modern molecular genetics, biochemical, and microbiological research.
Of particular value was the opportunity to join the work of research groups: the internship participants assisted masters and PhD students from the University of Porto in conducting experiments, preparing and processing biological samples, and setting up laboratory protocols. This interaction allowed not only to exchange experience but also to lay the groundwork for future joint research.
The SNAU teachers are already planning to integrate the knowledge and practical skills gained into the educational process, in particular, in teaching clinical, laboratory and preventive medicine. In addition, participation in laboratory research expands the SNAU’s capacity to conduct its own research projects, engage students in applied science, and make it possible to plan joint grant initiatives.
As a result of the internship, agreements were reached to further expand cooperation between the universities, in particular in the areas of experience exchange, joint research, and the development of academic mobility mechanisms for students.
The internship was an important stage of professional development, allowing us to deepen our knowledge, improve pedagogical, language and scientific competencies, and lay the foundation for further fruitful cooperation.
We sincerely thank the University of Porto and colleagues from ICBAS for their hospitality, professional support and inspiration for new achievements!
