Visnyk of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Series Еcоlogy

Indicative measurements of air pollution in Ukraine within the limits of legal harmonization with european standards (using the example of Kharkiv and Kropyvnytsky cities)

2025-12-29T22:19:11+00:00

Purpose. To analyze the legal basis for indicative measurements of air quality in Ukraine and assess their effectiveness using the example of the cities of Kharkiv and Kropyvnytskyi in 2024–2025, taking into account the impact of military conditions.

Methods. System analysis, statistical.

Results. Compliance of national legislation with the requirements of Directive 2008/50/EC on indicative measurements of ambient air quality has been established. The EcoCity public network has become an effective tool for collecting data on ambient air quality in wartime. The study revealed significant differences in air quality between Kharkiv and Kropyvnytskyi due to the impact of hostilities. In Kharkiv, sharp peaks in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were recorded, while in Kropyvnytskyi, traditional sources of pollution, in particular, transport and industry, with moderate PM2.5 indicators, prevail. The radiation background in both cities remained stable and safe, not exceeding the natural background. In Kropyvnytskyi, the average radiation background is higher than in Kharkiv, which is due to the geological features of the territory. In Kharkiv, short-term increases in NO₂ concentration lasting 2–5 days, typical of combat zones, were recorded. The variability of CO concentrations in Kharkiv is associated with seasonal factors, meteorological conditions, traffic intensity, industrial emissions and the impact of hostilities.

Conclusions. The legal framework for monitoring ambient air quality in Ukraine has been significantly improved over the past five years in accordance with European standards, in particular Directive 2008/50/EC. Military operations have caused a new type of air pollution with short-term but intense emissions, especially in frontline cities such as Kharkiv. Indicative measurements implemented through public networks, in particular EcoCity, have proven to be an effective tool for quickly determining air quality indicators in wartime.

Modern global trends in water quality forecasting

2025-12-29T22:19:14+00:00

Purpose. Generalization of modern scientific approaches to water quality forecasting, identification of main development trends, assessment of advantages and disadvantages of the most common groups of methods, as well as determination of possibilities of their effective application in the conditions of modern Ukraine.

Methods. An adapted systematic review approach according to the PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis), visual and comparative analyses were applied.

Results. Based on the analysis of modern scientific publications on water quality forecasting for 2020-2025, forecasting approaches were classified by conditional groups of methods in order to identify trends in scientific research. Using a spreadsheet editor, the frequency of use of keywords in the titles of publications was calculated, and based on the calculation results, a chronological graph was constructed that reflects the dynamics of the annual frequency of mention of keywords that correspond to different groups of forecasting methods. From the analysis of this graph, the most common groups of methods were identified, with a clear positive trend in their use in scientific publications. The advantages, limitations and prospects for the implementation of these most common groups of methods in domestic practice were also assessed, in particular taking into account the current conditions of full-scale war. The analysis allowed us to identify the most relevant and realistically applied approaches, and also pointed out potential difficulties. The use of XAI methods to overcome the “black box” problem in water quality forecasting is being actively studied in the world. In Ukraine, XAI was used mainly in the agricultural sector, while the author did not find any scientific studies using XAI to forecast water quality.

Conclusions. The most common group of water quality forecasting methods are methods related to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. In Ukraine, there are studies using artificial intelligence and machine learning, mainly in the form of hybrid methods, most often combining remote sensing and machine learning. These approaches demonstrate high efficiency in conditions of full-scale war, when physical access to a water body is limited or impossible

Ecological quality standards for drinking and surface waters in Ukraine and Poland

2025-12-29T22:19:16+00:00

Purpose. Analysis of the regulatory framework, assessment of qualitative and quantitative indicators of drinking water and surface waters in Ukraine and Poland.
Methods. Comparative legal method
Results. Based on a comparison of real standards and approaches to monitoring in both countries, based not only on theoretical sources, but also on a practical comparison of digital indicators, it was determined for the drinking waters of the countries: regulatory requirements for organoleptic indicators differ in the permissible limits of the intensity of these characteristics and methodological approaches to their determination; in Poland, the issue of bacteriological water safety is more standardized; drinking water quality standards in Ukraine and Poland are very close, but Poland in many cases sets stricter requirements for individual indicators (especially iron, manganese, ammonium). For organoleptic indicators of surface water quality in Ukraine, the standards are more specific and quantitative. For physicochemical indicators of surface water quality, significant differences are revealed.
Conclusions. Poland has fully integrated the requirements of the European Union Directives into its legislation, while in Ukraine this process is still ongoing. Further harmonization of Ukrainian environmental standards with European requirements is necessary, which is in line with the provisions of the State Policy Strategy of Ukraine and the goals of sustainable development.

Anthropogenic impact of the war on the condition of surface waters of the rivers Kazennyi Torets and Kryvyi Torets within the city of Druzhkivka

2025-12-29T22:19:17+00:00

Purpose. To provide a comprehensive ecological assessment of the surface waters state of the Kryviy Torets and Kazenny Torets rivers in the city of Druzhkivka in order to determine the main anthropogenic factors of influence, in particular the consequences of war.

Methods. System analysis, statistical processing methods, analysis of retrospective dynamics, and forecasting of future trends.

Results. An analysis of water condition indicators was carried out for the monitoring posts – Kryvyi Torets River and Kazennyi Torets River. Organic pollution (BOD₅ and dissolved oxygen) in both rivers throughout the entire observation period there was a systematic excess of BOD₅ over the MPC. The concentration of dissolved oxygen repeatedly dropped below the standard, which indicates a threat to aquatic biota and disruption of self-purification processes. Nitrites constantly and significantly exceeded the standard, especially in 2005–2008. Periodic significant maxima of phosphate-ion content were recorded, which indicates eutrophication processes and the inflow of phosphates from detergents and fertilizers. Water mineralization (sulfate and chloride ions) is high, especially in 2006–2008 and 2011–2013. Since 2014, stabilization has been observed, but at a high level. Using the Forecast Sheet resource forecasting carried out, which showed good convergence of forecast and actual values. No positive dynamics in water quality were recorded — in 2024–2025 most indicators exceed the MPC.

Conclusions. The rivers Kazennyi Torets and Kryvyi Torets are in a state of persistent organic and chem- ical pollution. The overall ecological condition remains unsatisfactory, and in 2024–2025 the situation has evenworsened. Overall, the war has significantly deepened the ecological problems of these rivers. They require a comprehensive approach to restoration: modernization of treatment facilities, rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems, and restoration of the monitoring system. Without this, there is a threat of further degradation of the region’s water resources, which will have long-term consequences for the environment and human health.

Ecological state of water bodies of Kharkiv region in conditions of martial law (on the example of the Uda river)

2025-12-29T22:19:19+00:00

Purpose. Assessment of the dynamics of physicochemical water quality indicators of the Uda River in 2023 and identification of potential sources of pollution.

Methods. Field, chemical and physicochemical, statistical.

Results. Water sampling of the Uda River was carried out monthly during 2023 at two stationary observation points: within the settlements of Zolochiv and Eskhar, Kharkiv region. Water quality indicators were determined: dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, orthophosphates, dry residue and petroleum products. The most critical indicators are BOD₅, CSD, ammonium, phosphates and oil products, which systematically exceed the maximum permissible concentrations, especially at the observation point of the Eskhar settlement, which determines the increased organic load, pollution with nitrogen compounds, phosphorus and oil products, which may be associated with leaks of fuel and lubricants from military equipment, destroyed warehouses and transport routes. At the same time, the concentrations of nitrites, nitrates and nitrite nitrogen remain within the norms, which indicates the absence of acute nitrification processes and a certain ability of the reservoir to self-purify. Seasonal dynamics confirm that the highest levels of pollution occur in the spring-summer period, which coincides with an increase in temperature, activation of biochemical processes and possible consequences of hostilities and storm washouts from the territories of settlements and fields.

Conclusion. According to the results of observations during 2023, the ecological state of the Uda River remains tense and is characterized as moderately polluted with local areas of high levels of organic and phosphate loading, which is due to a combination of natural and military-technogenic factors. To stabilize the hydroecosystem, a comprehensive restoration of water protection structures, wastewater treatment systems, and further scientific monitoring of the dynamics of water quality indicators is required.

Methodology and the hydroecological state assessment of lake Krymne

2025-12-29T22:19:23+00:00

Purpose. To develop and test a methodology for the indicative and spatial-temporal quantitative assessment of the ecological status of Lake Krymne in order to determine its current ecological stability, identify hydroecological problems, and outline priority directions for its further use and monitoring.

Methods. Field hydrological studies, cartographic methods, remote sensing, mathematical modeling and forecasting.

Results. The morphometric characteristics of the lake have changed compared to 1933: the area and the volume decreased due to mid-to-late 20th century land reclamation. The lake’s catchment retains features of natural landscapes. However, the lake undergoes significant transformation: part of the riparian zone is plowed, local waste dumps are recorded, and recreational pressure is increasing. Anthropogenic impacts contribute to the inflow of biogenic substances. Water quality deterioration is observed, with increased organic matter, phosphates, and ammonium, periodic oxygen deficits and signs of eutrophication. Remote sensing analysis (synthetic NDVI index) confirms seasonal fluctuations and summer productivity increases, with local growth of algae and macrophytes. The lake is sensitive to pressure and requires continuous monitoring. Main sources of anthropogenic impact are runoff from settlements, agricultural fields, and waste dumps.

Conclusions. Lake Krymne has a satisfactory hydroecological status, but a tendency toward deterioration is evident. This process is driven by increased biogen content in the water, eutrophication, and seasonal vegetation development. Priority conservation measures include maintaining protective riparian buffer zones, optimizing land use, modernizing wastewater systems in nearby settlements, eliminating illegal dumps, and establishing a systematic hydroecological monitoring program for the lake.

Current issues of land resources environmental audit in Ukraine

2025-12-29T22:19:26+00:00

Purpose. The state analysis of lands environmental audit in Ukraine compared to the existing experience of implementing environmental audit in other countries and identification of current problems and prospects for the development of environmental audit in Ukraine.

Results. From the stages analysis of environmental auditing formation in Ukraine and the world, the characteristics of the current legislative framework, its limitations in the context of full-scale military aggression were revealed. A comparison of the requirements of the ISO 14001 and EMAS schemes determined the specifics of environmental auditing in the agricultural sector and the relevance of implementing a special environmental audit of territories affected by military actions, which involves the use of digital and remote research technologies. The audit of agricultural lands, which are the basis of food security and the country's export potential, requires special attention.

Conclusions. Due to changes in the environmental situation and wartime challenges, there is a need to modernize Ukraine’s environmental legislation, particularly regarding the definition of methods, objects, and tools of environmental auditing. A priority is the implementation of specialized audits of damaged lands using modern technologies and European standards.

KEYWORDS: environmental audit, ISO 14001, EMAS, land resources, specialized environmental audit, military impact

Taxonomic characteristics of landscape and recreational framework in the system of ecological urban planning

2025-12-29T22:19:28+00:00

Purpose. Systematize scientific approaches to defining the essence and structural-functional organization of the landscape-recreational framework of the city, determine its taxonomic place among other types of urban frameworks within the framework of ecological planning of territories.

Methods. Analytical, systemic-structural, comparative-terminological, and classification-generalizing methods were applied, as well as content analysis of scientific and regulatory sources governing the greening of urban development activities.

Results. An analysis of scientific approaches to interpreting the concepts of “ecological”, “natural-ecological”, “green”, and “landscape-recreational” frameworks was conducted. Their interrelationships, hierarchy, and differentiation according to the degree of anthropogenic impact were determined. An interpretation of the landscape-recreational framework as a secondary type of urban framework that combines the spatial-functional and recreational properties of the formed urban landscape was proposed. The novelty of the study lies in the clarification of the terminology and the formation of a systematic model of relationships between types of frameworks in the city structure. The practical significance of the study lies in the implementation of the concept of a landscape-recreational framework in the practice of spatial planning and environmental construction standards.

Conclusions. It has been proven that the landscape-recreational framework is a subtype of ecological, natural-ecological, or natural frameworks and acts as a structural-functional model of a sustainable urban landscape. Its implementation contributes to improving the ecological stability of urban systems, preserving biodiversity, and creating a comfortable urban environment.

Monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions at mining and processing plants in Ukraine under European integration conditions

2025-12-29T22:19:30+00:00

Purposes. To develop a scientifically substantiated approach to greenhouse gas emissions monitoring at mining and processing enterprises in Ukraine in the context of European integration and industrial decarbonization, ensuring compliance with European Union Emissions Trading System standards and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism requirements.

Methods. The mass balance methodology and the risk matrix through probability and impact assessment are employed.

Results. For calculating greenhouse gas emissions based on analysis of material flows at one of Ukraine's leading mining and processing enterprises, sequential technological process analysis is conducted to identify emission sources, including pellet drying and firing zones, bentonite drying drums, mill circuits, and boiler installations. Material flow mapping covered input flows (natural gas, coal, limestone, bentonite, iron ore concentrate, biomass) and output flows (pellets, CO₂ emissions). A comprehensive risk matrix was developed for assessing monitoring data quality threats based on probability and impact criteria. Analysis of greenhouse gas emission dynamics in Ukraine over recent decades revealed significant reduction compared to baseline levels, primarily resulting from economic crises and armed conflicts rather than purposeful climate policy. For the examined enterprise, total annual CO₂ emissions were calculated, with natural gas accounting for the dominant share, followed by limestone decarbonization, iron ore concentrate processing, and bentonite. International practice analysis demonstrates that leading global producers achieve substantially lower emission levels per tonne of pellets through effective monitoring systems and decarbonization strategies.

Conclusions. The mass balance methodology proves optimal for mining and processing enterprises, ensuring comprehensive accounting of all significant emission sources, including process emissions from carbonate material decarbonization. The developed risk matrix enables systematic threat management through probability and impact assessment. Implementation of certified monitoring systems is critically necessary for Ukrainian mining enterprises to maintain competitiveness in international markets and comply with European climate requirements.

Assessment of pollutant emissions and modeling their impact on ambient air quality during asphalt concrete pavement production

2025-12-29T22:19:35+00:00

Purpose. To determine the composition and volumes of pollutant emissions generated during asphalt concrete pavement production and to model their dispersion in the ambient air.

Methods. Analytical, computational, experimental, comparative methods, as well as information modeling and forecasting.

Results. The analysis showed that the main emission sources include dosing hoppers, the belt conveyor, the bitumen heating tank, the heat generator, above-ground fuel storage tanks, and the drying unit. Maximum single and total emissions were determined based on instrumental measurements and analytical calculations. It was established that the production process releases suspended particulate matter (not differentiated by composition), saturated hydrocarbons C₁₂–C₁₉, propane, butane, benzene, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The calculated ground-level concentrations of pollutants, taking background levels into account, do not exceed hygienic standards at the boundary of the sanitary protection zone. However, ground-level concentrations of suspended particulate matter approach their maximum allowable limits. This indicates an increased risk of air quality degradation within the sanitary protection zone and may adversely affect ecosystem health and living conditions for the population. Low-mass yet highly toxic components–benzo[a]pyrene, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide–remain of particular concern. Even at low concentrations, they can exert chronic carcinogenic effects. Their presence reflects the complex chemical and thermal processes underlying emission formation and underscores the need for systematic monitoring of these substances.

Conclusions. Asphalt concrete pavement production exerts a complex impact on ambient air quality, dominated by particulate and organic pollutants. The most critical are the concentrations of suspended particulate matter and saturated hydrocarbons, while low-volume toxic components (benzo[a]pyrene, benzene, hydrogen sulfide) contribute additional long-term risks. The obtained concentration characteristics form the basis for further dispersion modeling, identification of zones of maximum impact, and the development of environmental protection measures.

Analysis and improvement of chemical pollution dispersion models in the environment

2025-12-29T22:19:38+00:00

Purpose. To develop and analytically substantiate a model for assessing the chemical situation during accidents at chemically hazardous facilities, taking into account the specific features of the formation of primary and secondary chemical contamination.

Methods. The study uses an integrated analytical approach to modeling chemical contamination scenarios by applying modified atmospheric diffusion equations, formulas for calculating the mass of substance evaporation, the duration of cloud formation, and its spatial dispersion.

Results. Special attention is paid to incorporating the roughness of the underlying surface, which affects the parameters of toxic cloud dispersion, and to determining the depth of impact zones depending on the type of hazardous substance, meteorological conditions, and site characteristics.The surface roughness parameter was introduced to account for terrain heterogeneity. Calculations were performed for various categories of hazardous substances (ammonia, chlorine) under typical conditions for Ukraine. Reference and regulatory data, as well as algorithms and scenarios from practical assessments of chemical situations, were used. Based on the developed model, calculations of the affected area for typical chemically hazardous facilities were performed; the penetration depth of toxic clouds was determined depending on the type of underlying surface, wind speed, and temperature. It was shown that accounting for roughness increases the accuracy of assessments by 12–18%, which is critical for operational decision-making. It was also established that the secondary cloud forms an additional risk zone, which under certain conditions may exceed the area of primary contamination. The model’s applicability for use in environmental monitoring and forecasting the consequences of man-made accidents was demonstrated.

Conclusions. The proposed model allows for the consideration of topographic and meteorological factors in assessing chemical contamination. This improves the accuracy of determining the boundaries of affected zones and can be integrated into decision-support systems for rapid response by emergency services, environmental monitoring, and territorial planning under conditions of potential man-made hazards.

Entropy-weighted model for assessing the environmental safety of surface waters in Ukraine

2025-12-29T22:19:42+00:00

Purpose. To develop and test an adaptive entropy-weighted model that allows eliminating the subjectivity of traditional index-based methods and accounting for the spatiotemporal variability of hydrochemical parameters to improve the efficiency of river basin environmental safety management.

Methods. The methodology is based on calculating the Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI), where the weight of each physicochemical parameter is determined using Shannon entropy

Results. Observation data from over 540 monitoring points within the main river basins of Ukraine for five seasonal phases of the hydrological cycle were analyzed with cartographic visualization of the calculation results. A clear dependence of water quality on the hydrological regime was established. The best ecological status was recorded in the winter and spring periods (Danube and Vistula basins) due to the natural dilution of pollutants. Critical deterioration of quality is observed during the shallow-water and autumn periods, when pollution indices reach extreme values, especially in the basins of the Southern Bug, and rivers of the Black Sea and Azov Sea regions (classes "very dirty" and "extremely dirty" water). Spatial analysis localized the zones of highest anthropogenic risk, confirming the inefficiency of river self-purification in industrially burdened regions during the low-flow period.

Conclusions. The proposed model demonstrated high sensitivity to seasonal changes and anthropogenic load. It provides a scientific basis for transitioning to adaptive water resource management, allowing for the prioritization of water protection measures and the optimization of the monitoring system according to periods of maximum ecological risk.

Application of biological early warning systems: implementing a prospective approach to water quality monitoring

2025-12-29T22:19:44+00:00

Purpose. To review international experience in the development and improvement of biological early warning systems.

Methodology. To assess the potential for improving existing biological early warning systems for continuous monitoring of water quality in different water categories.

Results. Behavioral responses have been used for decades as tools for testing aquatic toxicity, but have received much less attention than studies assessing lethality, development, or reproduction. With the improvement of visual and non-visual assessment tools and the increasing knowledge of the importance of behavior for health and fitness, interest in behavioral analysis has increased in recent years. However, to our knowledge, no quantitative evaluation of available methods for testing toxicity in organisms has ever been conducted, and it is unclear whether behavioral studies are a valuable addition to aquatic monitoring. This literature review suggests that behavioral assays are relatively rapid and sensitive and therefore deserve further attention as tools for assessing the toxicological effects of aquatic pollutants. We believe that research aimed at developing and optimizing behavioral assays could prove extremely useful to the field of toxicology, but future work should be directed at determining which specific behavioral patterns are most sensitive to different classes of pollutants, and at understanding the significance of changes in discrete behaviors for health and fitness impacts.

Conclusions. Biological Early Warning Systems (BEWS) rely largely on behavioral responses, with some also assessing other parameters, such as effects on algal chlorophyll fluorescence, at peak pollution levels, from which threshold values are derived. Behavioral changes are superior to mortality rates and other sublethal responses because they bridge the gap between individual and population relevance and are indicators of significant impacts of chemical contamination on a population before more serious consequences (i.e., population declines) occur.

Ecocide: ecological consequences and possibilities of using phytoremediation for disturbed areas

2025-12-29T22:19:48+00:00

Purpose. To determine ecocide as a global threat to modernity, its scope and consequences through a combination of theoretical provisions with practical examples, ways to minimize and prevent ecocide in the future.

Methods. System analysis based on a functionally structured approach, statistical methods, risk assessment matrix.

Results. Based on the theoretical aspects of ecocide, the events that occurred in Ukraine were analyzed, namely the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station and the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. A comparison of the ecological, social and economic consequences of the impact on the environment showed a significant negative impact on both the elements of the environment and the economic development of our country. A comparative analysis of the causes of ecocide in the world, the results of an expert assessment of the impact of ecocide on various aspects of the environment and society according to the forecasts of experts and the population determined the possibility of applying methods for restoring territories damaged by man-made disasters, including methods of remediation and phytorecultivation.

Conclusions. Ecocide must be recognized as a factor of today's global danger, as a crime against humanity and the environment. There is a need to develop effective response mechanisms, monitoring systems, environmental education, and the application of methods for the reclamation and restoration of territories affected by large-scale environmental disasters.

Features of sustainable gastronomy development in Ukraine

2025-12-29T22:19:52+00:00

Purpose. To identify the specifics of sustainable food production and consumption in the context of Ukraine’s post-war recovery, with an emphasis on integrating the principles of the green economy into national food strategies

Methods. Dialectical method of cognition and the systematic approach, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, systematization, and generalization, statistical analysis and comparative (GAP) analysis.

Results. The integration of sustainability into Ukraine's food sector is theoretically substantiated. The proposed concept enables the integration of environmental and social imperatives into national production and economic policy, laying the groundwork for achieving a stable balance between economic development, the preservation of natural systems, and the enhancement of public health. The study identifies potential for exploring innovative models that combine technological, social, and environmental factors, supported by principles of corporate responsibility and mechanisms of public policy. An important aspect is the integration of sustainable production with responsible consumption, which creates a synergistic effect that stimulates structural transformations within the food system.

Conclusions. The recovery of the food sector should not rely on reproducing outdated models but rather on implementing innovative practices aligned with the principles of the circular economy, regenerative agriculture, and the ecosystem-based approach, a long-term political program, digital transformation tools, the promotion of sustainable production, and environmentally conscious food consumption within the context of post-war recovery.

Bioindicators among plants for assessing the environmental state and predicting health risks

2025-12-29T22:19:55+00:00

Purpose. A review and comprehensive analysis of current scientific research on the use of plant bioindicators for monitoring the state of soil, water, and atmospheric air, with a particular emphasis on predicting and minimizing risks to human health.

Results. The main anthropogenic factors of ecosystem degradation are analyzed: industrialization, intensive agriculture, urbanization and climate change, which lead to the accumulation of toxic compounds (heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products, radionuclides) in soils, atmospheric air and water bodies. Particular attention is paid to the dual role of bioindicator plants: ecological for identifying areas with increased pollution levels and monitoring the dynamics of technogenic load, and medical and biological for assessing the impact of toxicants on human health through their entry into food chains. The mechanisms of accumulation and transformation of pollutants, morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular reactions of plants to pollution, as well as the use of biochemical and molecular markers, phytotests and microanalytical methods are considered. Examples of the use of hyperaccumulator species in monitoring various ecosystems, including urban and agricultural landscapes, are given.

Conclusions. The importance of integrating the results of bioindication studies into medical and ecological analysis for the development of preventive medicine, the formation of public health policies and strategies for sustainable natural resource management is emphasized. The obtained generalizations may be useful for botanists, ecologists, biochemists, toxicologists, physicians and public health specialists involved in monitoring and reducing the negative impact of anthropogenic pollution on the environment and humans.

The implementation of the Erasmus+ SUNRISE project: coordination meeting and training workshop

2025-12-29T22:19:58+00:00

There present the results of the first stage of the Erasmus+ project “SUNRISE – Supporting Ukraine’s Next Generation of Scholars: a Project for Raising University Capacity and Improving Doctoral Student Education.” Special attention is given to the second coordination meeting and the first training workshop, held on September 23–25, 2025, in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, at the University of Camerino. The event brought together representatives of universities from Ukraine and across Europe to discuss issues of sustainable post-crisis recovery, training of the third-cycle (doctoral) students, and the implementation of innovative approaches to developing a modern research culture. The article summarizes the content of lectures and discussions, highlights the experiences of international partners and the outcomes of Ukrainian universities’ activities, outlining future prospects for developing “living laboratories” at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. It also emphasizes the importance of coordination meetings as a platform for experience sharing and shaping joint strategies to support young researchers.