STEMLAB SYNERGY 2026: a year of brave ideas and artificial intelligence in education

For the STEMLab Synergy project, 2026 was a time of new opportunities, development, and the implementation of the most ambitious STEM ideas. The first landmark event of the year was the second training session of the program, which took place on January 21–23, 2026. This event brought together 11 Ukrainian educators—future trainers who are preparing to implement the skills of the future in Ukrainian and Romanian schools.The project “STEMLab Synergy: Developing Future Skills in Ukrainian and Romanian Schools” is being implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine 2021-2027 program with the financial support of the European Union. The main goal of the initiative is to train specialists who can effectively integrate digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational process.The program of the second training was as intensive and practice-oriented as possible. Over the course of three days, participants worked under the guidance of Antonina Bukach, an expert in Google Workspace for Education training and ecosystems, to deepen their AI skills.

 

The first day was devoted to curriculum architecture and coaching skills. Participants adapted the 30-hour STEM-Synergy PRO program, making changes to bring it in line with modern realities. The second day took the form of a STEM workshop. Using Gemini and NotebookLM tools, teachers developed specialized lesson templates for physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. A “Training Marathon” was also held to practice facilitation and audience engagement skills. In addition, participants mastered an additional tool—Google Keep. The final day focused on creating video content in Google Vids and confirming qualifications through the Trainer Skills Assessment exam from Google for Education. 

The completion of the second training marks an important transformation of the project: 11 Ukrainian educators have officially transitioned from students to future trainers, ready to independently teach their colleagues the intricacies of using AI and digital ecosystems. The main result was not only the confirmation of qualifications through the Trainer Skills Assessment exam, but also the creation of an architecture for 30-hour professional development programs, which will be implemented in Uzhhorod in the summer of 2026.

For STEMLab Synergy, 2026 is not just a calendar year, but a real year of opportunities and bold STEM ideas. The tools they have mastered, such as Google Vids and personal Gem bots, will form the basis for the development of innovative content, which will be presented at the All-Ukrainian STEM Project Competition and the STEM Professions Fair.

Ahead, the team will expand its international horizons during a study tour to Romania, which will strengthen cross-border cooperation within the Interreg NEXT program. The project continues to build a modern educational ecosystem where artificial intelligence technologies serve as a tool for developing human potential and shaping the skills of the future in Ukrainian schools. Ahead lie new discoveries and the development of modern STEM education based on the synergy of technology and professionalism.

Information prepared by project methodologist Tetiana PALKO

This publication has been produced with the support of the European Union. Uzhhorod National University is solely responsible for the content of this material, which does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the management structures of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Ukraine 2021-2027 Program.