During an international research internship at Kiel University (CAU), Mariia Nikitenko, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Agronomy, and Daria Kovtun, Assistant in the Department of Agronomy, both from Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University (KSAEU), met with Prof. Dr. Kai Carstensen, ACTI-K² project leader.
Dialogue with the ACTI-K² project leadership
The meeting focused on prospects for further joint research and on the study of advanced agricultural technologies.
The discussion connected the researchers’ experience at CAU with the longer-term aim of developing resilient agricultural systems and supporting the recovery of the agricultural sector in the Kherson region. During the programme, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Insa Kühling also introduced the researchers to current German approaches in agricultural research and practice.
Research for resilient agricultural systems
Hosted by CAU’s Department of Agronomy and Crop Science at the Institute of Crop Science and Plant Breeding, the research internship combines practical experience with insight into scientific equipment, analytical methods and field-based approaches.
The researchers are also contributing to DIVERSILIENCE, which stands for Diversification for Food Systems Resilience. This DFG-funded Research Training Group at Kiel University investigates how diversity across the entire food chain can strengthen the resilience and sustainability of food systems.
Together, these activities lay foundations for further joint studies and can contribute to the recovery of the agricultural sector in the Kherson region and the development of more resilient agroecosystems.
Strengthening German-Ukrainian academic cooperation
The internship forms part of the Lab Cooperation activity within the German-Ukrainian University Network (DUHN) project “Academic Cooperation and Teaching Initiative Kiel-Kherson” (ACTI-K²), funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It is conducted with support from CAU’s Faculty of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences (AEF) and is intended to strengthen the participants’ scientific capacities, facilitate the exchange of expertise and expand collaborative research between CAU and KSAEU.
We thank Prof. Dr. Yurii Kyrylov, Rector of KSAEU, for supporting international cooperation and creating opportunities for young researchers. We also thank Prof. Dr. Kai Carstensen, Priv.-Doz. Dr. Insa Kühling and the ACTI-K² team for the constructive dialogue and their comprehensive support.
