STEMLab Synergy: UzhNU Contributes to Developing Future Skills in Ukrainian and Romanian Schools

Uzhhorod National University is one of the key partners of the international cross-border project “STEMLab Synergy: Shaping Future Skills in Ukrainian and Romanian Schools” (ROUA00153), implemented within the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027. The initiative is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the participating countries of the programme.

The project aims to modernize STEM education in educational institutions of Zakarpattia region and Satu Mare County through the development of modern educational infrastructure, the training of educators and trainers, the enhancement of teachers’ professional competences, and the promotion of STEM disciplines among school students.

The total budget of the project amounts to €444,405.86, of which €399,956.27 is financed by the European Union. The share allocated to the Ukrainian partners is €224,427.46, with 90 percent provided through EU grant support. The project implementation period is 18 months, from May 2025 to November 2026.

The project partners include the public organization “Project Managers Association ‘YADRO’”, Uzhhorod National University, and the Intercommunity Development Association of Satu Mare County (Romania). The project manager at Uzhhorod National University is Vice-Rector for Research and Academic Affairs, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Ihor Korol.

UzhNU as a Regional STEM Hub

One of the central ideas of the project is the establishment of a modern STEM hub for secondary education at Uzhhorod National University. Within the initiative, four specialized STEM laboratories will be created and made available not only to university students but also to pupils from 22 schools across Zakarpattia region.

Through a coordinated schedule, school students will have the opportunity to work with modern laboratory equipment, conduct practical research, and participate in scientific experiments. This approach will integrate theoretical knowledge with real research experience and make STEM education more practical and accessible.

Training of Trainers and Introduction of Digital Tools

An important component of the project is the training of trainers for STEM educators. In November 2025, the first three-day cross-border training session for educators and lecturers from Ukraine and Romania took place in Zakarpattia region.

Participants were selected through a competitive process among university lecturers and school teachers experienced in teaching STEM subjects. The selected participants received a special STEMLab smart guide, which helped them prepare for the intensive training programme.

The training was opened by Project Manager Kseniia Okhotnyk, who outlined the main objectives of the programme and emphasized the importance of integrating digital technologies into modern education.

The training programme was delivered by Antonina Bukach, an expert in educational technologies and the Google Workspace for Education ecosystem. Participants worked with artificial intelligence tools such as Gemini, NotebookLM, Deep Research, and Imagen, explored the principles of prompt engineering for education, and created personalized AI assistants for preparing educational materials.

Separate modules focused on developing interactive learning content, using digital tools for STEM research, and strengthening trainers’ soft skills, including facilitation and emotional intelligence.

The training concluded with the Gemini Certified Educator exam, after which participants received international certificates.

A New Stage of Development in 2026

The second training session of the programme took place 21–23 January 2026, bringing together 11 Ukrainian educators who continued to deepen their competencies in the use of artificial intelligence in education.

Over three days, participants worked on developing their own training programmes, adapting the 30-hour STEM-Synergy PRO course, and designing specialized lesson templates for physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.

Within the format of a STEM workshop, educators learned to create educational videos using Google Vids, manage digital notes with Google Keep, and practiced their training skills during a special “trainer marathon.”

At the end of the training, participants passed the Trainer Skills Assessment by Google for Education, confirming their readiness to conduct training sessions for colleagues. In the summer of 2026, the newly trained educators plan to implement a series of professional development programmes for teachers in Uzhhorod.

Modernization of Infrastructure and Equipment

As part of the STEMLAB SYNERGY project, Uzhhorod National University continues to modernize the material and technical base of its science and technology faculties.

In particular, the Faculty of Biology received a modern digital measurement computer complex Elizlabs, recommended for use in educational institutions in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine No. 574 of April 29, 2020. The system is equipped with wireless sensors for measuring physiological and environmental parameters and enables real-time data analysis and visualization.

The faculty’s equipment has also been expanded with a VIS spectrophotometer, a modern rotary microtome for preparing biological tissue sections, and a research Zeiss microscope equipped with phase-contrast objectives and a digital camera.

In addition, the project provided high-performance computer workstations, multimedia systems for STEM laboratories, peripheral equipment, specialized laboratory furniture, and laboratory tables, creating a modern educational environment for students and academic staff.

An important component of the modernization was the purchase of various types of 3D printers, which will primarily be used at the Faculty of Mathematics and Digital Technologies for modeling geometric objects, developing educational prototypes, and strengthening students’ engineering skills.

The newly acquired equipment also enhances the research capabilities of the Faculty of Chemistry, particularly through modern measuring instruments and upgraded laboratory infrastructure that enable more precise experimental studies and improve students’ practical training.

The comprehensive modernization of laboratory infrastructure will contribute to the development of modern STEM education, the intensification of scientific research, and the training of highly qualified specialists in natural sciences and technical fields.

Education for the Future

The STEMLab Synergy project stands out for its comprehensive approach, combining infrastructure development, teacher training, and active engagement of young people in STEM through competitions, career guidance activities, and educational camps.

Special attention is given to overcoming stereotypes about STEM education and promoting career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Uzhhorod National University plays an important role in building a new educational ecosystem in the region, where modern technologies, artificial intelligence, and international cooperation become tools for developing human potential and shaping the skills of the future.

The project team will continue its work through new stages of implementation, including international study visits to Romania, STEM competitions for school students, and the launch of modern laboratories.

This publication was prepared with the support of the European Union. Uzhhorod National University is solely responsible for the content of this material, and it does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the managing authorities of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027.

Anastasiya Lendel

Information and Publishing Department

• International Activities