Mathematical Modeling and ICT for the Real World: UzhNU Faculty Broaden Their Horizons at Erasmus+ Staff Week in Italy
From June 8 to 13, 2026, the University of L’Aquila in Italy became a hub for leading scientists, mathematicians, and information technology specialists from around the world. The university hosted a large-scale international event—the Erasmus+ Staff Week “Mathematical Modeling for Real-World Applications and ICT.” The European community paid particular attention to the Ukrainian delegation, which included five faculty members from Uzhhorod National University, an official partner of this prestigious international scientific network.
The event began on Monday, June 8, within the historic walls of the “Luigi Zordan” Conference Center and held deep symbolic significance. The opening ceremony of the scientific week was held in conjunction with International Week, dedicated to Ukrainian studies. Professor Fabio Graziosi, Rector of the University of L’Aquila, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech.
The personal presence at the event of Ihor Brusylo, Ukraine’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy, as well as the online address by Dr. Svitlana Shytikova, Director of the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine, were of great importance to the Ukrainian participants. In addition, colleagues discussed the results of the Global Coalition for Ukrainian Studies (GCUS) and the findings of the working groups from the previous week.
In the afternoon, the academic portion of the program was officially opened by Prof. Bruno Rubino, Vice Rector for International Relations, and Prof. Giulio Antonini, Vice Rector for Research.
One of the highlights of the first day was the presentation of the international RealMaths program by Professor Bruno Rubino. This initiative opens up unique opportunities for students and faculty to earn dual degrees and participate in international mobility programs in the field of mathematical engineering.
For the Faculty of Mathematics and Digital Technologies at UzhNU, this program is a source of particular pride. The innovative RealMaths program has already been successfully and fully implemented at UzhNU in the F1 Applied Mathematics and F4 Systems Analysis and Data Science majors. Thanks to this integrated educational process, students in these programs have the opportunity to study according to advanced European standards and receive degrees from both Ukraine and Italy.
Over the following days, UzhNU faculty members participated in intensive workshops in the lecture halls of the Department of Humanities (DSU).
The topics covered a wide range of subjects: from numerical mathematics and fluid dynamics to current ICT trends in the analysis of complex systems, the application of artificial intelligence in geodesy, and the development of connected and automated mobility technologies in telecommunications.
The Erasmus+ Staff Week program will be remembered by participants not only for its intensive academic work but also for its well-planned cultural component, which helps foster lasting academic ties. On Wednesday, June 10, the organizers declared a “Social Day.” The delegates, including faculty members from Uzhhorod, set out on an excursion to the picturesque highlands of Abruzzo to explore the majestic Gran Sasso mountain range. The highlight of the day was a traditional barbecue lunch in Fonte Vetica, where researchers prepared famous local dishes over an open charcoal fire in an authentic setting.
International Research Week concludes with an official wrap-up, a ceremonial presentation of participation certificates, and the signing of new bilateral agreements on academic mobility.
For faculty members from the Department of Mathematics and Digital Technologies at UzhNU (Ihor Korol, Yurii Mlavets, Nataliia Kondruk, Andrii Bryla) and the Department of International Economic Relations (Maryna Korol), this trip served as a powerful incentive for further development. The successful implementation of the RealMaths program in the F1 and F4 majors once again confirms that UzhNU is confidently pursuing a course toward European integration, ensuring the training of world-class specialists capable of solving the most complex technological challenges of our time.
