From an Educational Initiative to International Scientific Cooperation: Development of the Circular Economy at the Faculty of Agrarian Management of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine Amid Global Challenges
The development of new scientific and educational fields at a university begins with ideas that subsequently find expression in educational programmes, scientific projects, research and international cooperation. Every promising area of university research begins long before international agreements, scientific publications and patents emerge. However, the significance of such scientific undertakings is determined primarily by how well they meet the needs of the national economy and find practical application. It is precisely FATER Academy of India and its Secretary General, Professor Pankaj SHRIVASTAVA, that play an important role here, bringing together researchers from different regions and countries, facilitating the exchange of experience and the emergence of new ideas, including during the conference in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova.
A natural continuation of this work was the expansion of international scientific and educational partnerships and the establishment of cooperation with the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM), one of the leading institutions of higher economic education and scientific research in the Republic of Moldova. An important event was the signing of an international cooperation agreement between the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova.
“From signing an international agreement to discussing specific scientific ideas, from academic arrangements to significant research outcomes - this is how international scientific partnerships are formed at the Faculty of Agrarian Management of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, opening up new opportunities for the development of university research,” emphasises the Dean of the Faculty of Agrarian Management, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Valerii BONDARENKO.
Thus, for the Faculty of Agrarian Management of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, this cooperation opens up prospects for joint research, the preparation of international scientific publications, the development of innovative approaches to agricultural sector management and the exchange of academic experience. The pooling of scientific efforts is particularly important in the context of the development of the circular economy, the rational use of natural resources, ensuring food security and seeking new models of sustainable economic development amid global challenges.
An important component of the international visit was the presentation of scientific topics and promising research areas being developed at the Faculty, under the theme: “Scientific Substantiation of Agrotechnological Solutions for Regulating the Development of the Circular and Blue Economies in Agriculture and Fisheries for the Rehabilitation of Military Personnel and the Post-War Reconstruction of Ukraine” (registration number 0125U001973). The focus was on the circular economy, sustainable development of the agricultural sector, innovative economic mechanisms and the creation of economic prerequisites for effective resource management.
The idea initiated by Professor Nataliia VDOVENKO back in 2025 to introduce the academic course “Circular Economy and Risks of Global Instability” made it possible to establish a new area of economic education focused on studying the efficient use of by-products, the economic advantages of closed-loop production cycles and opportunities to create added value in agricultural sectors, including heliciculture (snail farming), aquaculture (giant freshwater prawn, Australian redclaw crayfish) and insect farming (black soldier fly).
Based on the educational and scientific initiative launched, the micro-credential course “Aquafarming Navigator” was created jointly with the State Institution “Methodological and Technological Centre for Aquaculture” of the State Agency of Ukraine for the Development of Land Reclamation, Fisheries and Food Programmes, marking another step in the development of the new field and its promotion in the media. The presentation of scientific ideas and results in the mass media contributes to the popularisation of university research, increases its international visibility and helps build a positive image abroad of Ukrainian researchers working at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.
Notably, international scientific dialogue also continues in the information sphere.
The newspaper publication is available at the following links:
In Romanian: https://logos-pres.md/noutati/cercetatorii-din-domeniul-economic-din-uc…
In English: https://logos-pres.md/en/news/economic-scholars-from-ukraine-and-moldov…
Facebook social network: https://www.facebook.com/share/19cufPsfxL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The international visit acquired particular significance through an exploration of the historical origins of Moldovan economic science and university education.
A symbolic event was the laying of flowers at the bas-relief of the first rector and founder of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, Professor Paul Bran, whose name holds a prominent place in the history of the country’s economic education. Further details: https://ase.md/35-de-ani-de-asem-omagiu-fondatorului-si-primului-rector…https://ase.md/35-de-ani-de-asem-omagiu-fondatorului-si-primului-rector-paul-bran/
Honouring the memory of the distinguished scholar demonstrated respect for academic traditions, scientific continuity and the many years of work of those who laid the foundations of modern economic science. Indeed, international university cooperation rests not only on shared research interests but also on common academic values, mutual respect and a commitment to passing scientific knowledge on to future generations.
It was therefore fitting that the presentation of research results obtained by scholars of the Faculty of Agrarian Management of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine in the course of their research projects occupied a special place in the programme of international scientific cooperation.
The true value of international partnership is determined not by the number of agreements signed but by the scientific results that provide a foundation for new research and practical changes in the economy.
The emergence of new areas of scientific research confirms that the development of the circular economy at the university is gradually moving from the formulation of theoretical and methodological foundations towards the substantiation of specific economic and managerial mechanisms and practical recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of agricultural production and ensuring the sustainable development of sectors of the national economy.