The Future of Ecology: STEM Projects of Ukrainian Lyceum Students on the International Arena in Bulgaria

On June 19-21, 2026, an international exhibition of student STEM projects on air pollution and climate change was held in Varna, Bulgaria. The event took place within the framework of the international project “Interreg – Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin – AIRQUEST”.

A total of 14 teams from all project partners participated in the exhibition, presenting their innovative projects:

• Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (TR)
• Eastern Black Sea Development Agency DOKKA (TR)
• Bulgarian Association for Transfer of Technology and Innovation BATTI (BG)
• Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University (UKR)
• Galati Tehnopol Association (RO)

Odesa National University (ONU) was represented by:

• Project Coordinator: Dr. Sc. (Engineering), Professor, Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, A.V. Chuhai
• Project Manager: Associate Professor, Director of the Center for International Education, N.M. Kriuchkova
• Project Participant: Lecturer at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, A.O. Ilina

The STEM projects from Ukraine were presented by the winners of the national competition:

• Tymofii Krasnianskyi, Communal Institution “Supporting Institution “Kodoma Lyceum No. 1” of the Kodoma City Council, Podilsk District, Odesa Region;
• Emiliia Romaniuk, Odesa Private Lyceum “Harmoniia” of the Odesa City Council;
• Heorhii Muzychenko, Lyceum No. 84 of the Odesa City Council.

All participants received gifts and certificates.

We sincerely thank the organizers and all project partners for the wonderful atmosphere, engaging presentations, and invaluable experience!