The development of academic and scientific-technical cooperation with universities in the Baltic countries is a strategic priority for Ukrainian higher education institutions. A vivid example of such a partnership was the participation of Professor Oleksandr Kovrov, from the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection Technologies, in the International Staff Week 2025 held at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Kaunas, Lithuania, as part of the ERASMUS+ teaching mobility program.

As part of the academic mobility program, Professor Kovrov delivered a series of lectures for master’s students, PhD candidates, faculty, and researchers of the VMU Faculty of Engineering on the topic "Modern Environmental Technologies".

His lecture on "Environmental and Geotechnical Assessment of Landslides" drew particular interest among the participants. The session covered current approaches to the identification, monitoring, and modeling of landslide processes with a focus on their environmental impacts. Special attention was given to geotechnical analysis methods, risk assessment for the environment, and applied case studies relevant to both Lithuania and Ukraine.

The lively discussion and active engagement of attendees highlighted the relevance and urgency of the topic in the context of climate change and intensified land use.

Global challenges related to war-affected lands were also addressed, with a focus on the Ukrainian context — a strategically important issue that touches upon ecology, economy, public health, and social stability. In particular, Professor Kovrov presented modern concepts of phytoremediation of war-contaminated soils, as military actions often result in widespread pollution by toxic substances, and the recovery of such territories requires effective and environmentally safe solutions.

Undoubtedly, participation in international staff teaching weeks goes beyond academic mobility — it lays the foundation for sustained research collaboration and long-term partnerships.

We are confident that this professional visit to Vytautas Magnus University will expand the horizons of Baltic cooperation and open new opportunities for students and academic staff of our university.