Meet professor Vadym Tarasov, an Ukrainian researcher from Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University who spent 6-months in Slovakia via National Scholarship Programme. Based at the Institute of Geotechnics SAS in Košice he focused his research on the environmental situation in Donbas, the most industrially burdened region of Ukraine and Europe, was already a serious concern before the military conflict began. 

My name is Vadym Tarasov, Professor and Doctor of Technical Sciences at Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University in Ukraine, where I head the Faculty of Human Health. I have been awarded the National Scholarship Programme in the October 2024 call, which supports my research at the Institute of Geotechnics SAS in Košice. This scholarship allows me to deepen my expertise in materials science and photocatalysis.

During my stay in Slovakia, I am conducting research on “Multifunctional Sustainable Adsorbents and Photocatalysts for Industrial Water Treatment.” This study focuses on environmental remediation in Donbas, the most heavily industrialized region of Ukraine and Europe, a critical issue even before Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Together with the scientists at my host institution in Košice, we plan to develop affordable and effective methods for water purification, especially targeting organic contaminants. Thanks to the Institute’s focus on similar challenges and its access to the equipment and reagents needed to produce novel photocatalytic materials and study pollutant degradation processes, my research will be carried out efficiently to the benefit of both parties and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals on clean water. Before arriving in Slovakia, I became acquainted with my supervisor, Senior Scientist Dr. Inna Melnyk, through her numerous publications in reputable journals. She is a renowned expert in sol‑gel techniques, surface chemistry, and the design of hybrid nanomaterials for water purification, which directly relates to my project.

During my research Scholarship, I also attended a stimulating and interdisciplinary introductory seminar for doctoral candidates and early‑career researchers, organized by the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Košice. The seminar was held at the PROMATECH facilities and brought together nearly 30 participants from various scientific fields and SAS institutes. Its goal was to foster networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mutual learning among emerging scientists in the region, while creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere.

In addition, I joined Dr. Inna Melnyk’s group from the Institute of Geotechnics SAS in carrying out public outreach events in the city center of Košice “ Zaži vedu so SAV v Košiciach” (“Live Science in Kosice”), also organized by the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Moreover, one summer day, the institute’s staff and I spent the day in nature, a long‑standing institute tradition, socializing in an informal setting, which is especially beneficial for new team members. Such diverse activities enable researchers to develop a broad range of skills, expand collaborative networks, and promote their work.

In terms of expenses and accommodation, my experience in Slovakia has been very similar to that in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Slovakia’s central location in Europe makes travel to other countries easy, and I’ve been able to explore nearby destinations, a truly wonderful experience. The people here are friendly and always willing to help, which has made settling in and feeling at home very simple. Moreover, my time in Slovakia has allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture and hospitality.

Slovakia is an outstanding educational hub in Central Europe, offering excellent academic opportunities alongside a rich cultural experience. The Slovak Academic Information Agency (SAIA) does an exceptional job supporting international researchers, and I am deeply grateful to SAIA for providing me with this remarkable opportunity for research development and career advancement.