The second half of 2025 will be a dynamic period for the AgriSciences Platform, which connects the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) with its partner institutions in Ukraine and was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The project aims to foster scientific collaboration, support early-career researchers, and build international, multidisciplinary research teams.
To kick off this next phase, an informational meeting for platform members will be held during the summer to share details about upcoming calls, important deadlines, and new opportunities for involvement. Alongside this, formal call announcements will be published, accompanied by registration procedures.
A key focus in the coming months will be on capacity building and training. In collaboration with the Communications Team, the platform will organise a workshop on science communication and public outreach, helping researchers better communicate the relevance and impact of their work. In parallel, the AgriSci Scientific Academy will offer a new series of online expert-led trainings delivered by CZU researchers to partner institutions. These sessions will take place between September and the end of the year, though speakers will also have the flexibility to choose alternative dates. In addition, Ukrainian researchers who receive grant support under the multidisciplinary team scheme will themselves lead training sessions at their home institutions later in the year.
The platform will also continue supporting language education for young scientists. Following a successful English course held in previous years, a new online Czech language course is now in development and will be launched before the start of the academic semester.
On the outreach side, a new promotional video about the AgriSciences Platform is being planned for October, with filming to coincide with the MCYR conference. This initiative will serve to highlight the platform’s achievements and showcase the energy of its research community.
Research support remains a central pillar of the platform’s mission. Soon, we will see the launch of the Call for Multidisciplinary Research Teams 2025, aimed at forming new teams focused on key scientific challenges. In addition, a small grant scheme for community-based projects will reopen, with both calls expected to close at the end of September.
Several mobility and exchange opportunities are also on the horizon. A Summer School for early-career researchers is scheduled for October. The program will include interactive workshops, expert lectures, field visits, and a special Grant Writing Marathon. A Call for Mobility Grants 2025 will allow young scientists to apply for short-term research stays at CZU. Participants will later have the chance to present their results either via written reports or during a dedicated online seminar.
Beyond training and research, the platform will also support the delivery of technical equipment to Ukrainian partner universities. Coordination is already underway to identify needs and ensure proper documentation and visibility of the provided items.
Finally, to further promote academic exchange, a series of online seminars on study opportunities in the Czech Republic will be held. These sessions will be delivered by CZU experts, including representatives from the BioResources and Technology (BRT) Division.
The second half of 2025 will be marked by continued energy, cooperation, and impact.
We invite all interested colleagues and students to stay engaged, follow upcoming announcements, and actively participate in shaping the next steps of the AgriSciences Platform.
Project supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
