Meet professor Olena Mitryasova, a National Scholarship Programme holder, who is currently conducting her research at Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences at University of Prešov. Her work focuses on enhancing environmental education through the lens of digital transformation and sustainable development, aiming to align academic training with the evolving demands of the modern labor market.

I am Olena Mitryasova, a researcher from Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine, dedicated to advancing environmental education and sustainable development. My recent six-month research stay in Slovakia has been an invaluable experience, significantly contributing to my professional growth and academic pursuits.

The core objective of my research stays in Slovakia, from February, to July, 2025, was "Environmental Education for the Future: best EU practices under the conditions of digitization and in response to the requests of modern higher education seekers and the labour market." The primary goal was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of environmental education systems. This involved a detailed comparative analysis between the educational environmental practices at the University of Presov (Slovakia) and Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University (Ukraine).

During my stay, I had the privilege of collaborating closely with the Ecology Department at the University of Presov. Assoc. Prof. Ruslan Mariychuk's expertise and mentorship were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the research and achieving our shared goals. A significant outcome of this collaborative effort is the co-authored monograph: Mitryasova, O., Mariychuk, R. Education Innovations in Training Students-Ecologists as a Response to Modern Challenges: Green and Digitalization Paradigms: Monograph. Mykolaiv: PMBSNU–Presov: University of Presov, 2025, 112 p. This publication encapsulates findings, exploring innovative approaches to training future ecologists by integrating green and digitalization paradigms. It highlights the critical need for adapting educational strategies to meet modern environmental challenges and the evolving demands of the labor market. The monograph serves as a testament to the fruitful cooperation between our universities and provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers alike.

My time at Presov University was marked by a profound sense of academic excellence and a welcoming atmosphere. The university boasts modern facilities and a vibrant academic community, fostering an environment conducive to learning and research. Beyond the university, Slovakia itself left a lasting positive impression. Its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich historical heritage, and charming cities provided a wonderful backdrop to my research. The Slovak people were consistently kind, hospitable, and eager to share their culture, making my stay not just academically enriching but also personally delightful. I particularly enjoyed exploring the local traditions and experiencing the warmth of the community.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the SAIA Programme for providing this incredible opportunity. The support from SAIA was crucial in making this research study possible and successful. This programme is an exemplary initiative that fosters international academic cooperation, promotes knowledge exchange, and makes a significant contribution to the development of higher education and scientific research. My experience in Slovakia, facilitated by SAIA, has broadened my perspectives, strengthened international academic ties, and equipped me with new insights to apply in my future endeavors in environmental education.

I am very grateful to the SAIA Programme, which made it possible to realize the goals and objectives as a scientist, which were embodied in a specific product: the publication of a book and the development of collaboration between universities. The monograph is devoted to problems of the conceptual foundations, essence, and ways of development of environmental education in the Slovak (European) educational paradigm through the prism of digitization, student needs, and labor market requirements; pedagogical and psychological principles of training environmental students; comparative analysis of content, methods, and forms of environmental education at the University of Presov and the Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University; and comparative analysis of educational technologies and tools for the formation of professional competencies of future environmental specialists in the context of digitalization and the current reform of higher education. The book is written for scientists, lecturers, and postgraduate students who specialize in the field of environmental educational research.