ESCI-UPF Hosts the 2nd Edition of the ECOtwins Summer School

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Funded by the European Union’s HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03 research and innovation program, the ECOtwins project is dedicated to strengthening the research capacity of the Ukrainian team at the National University of Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP) while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on agroecological intensification and sustainable farming practices. The summer school was especially meaningful, as it honored the resilience and commitment of Ukrainian researchers who continue their scientific work despite the ongoing war.

The opening session included a welcome address by Dr. Alba Bala, Executive Director of the UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change (ESCI-UPF), who emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing sustainable agriculture. This was followed by a series of scientific presentations and training sessions that brought together expertise from Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and Ukraine, with over 100 participants connected online from Ukraine.

Among the highlights, Dr. Bahadur Ghaley from the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) presented results from the 2023 field trials, which examined the performance of three major crops under different cropping systems and different organic amendments and biostimulants application. The session demonstrated how carefully designed trials, with eleven treatments, including controls and replications, can provide robust insights into soil health and crop productivity. Building on this, Saad Mir (PhD student, UCPH) presented complementary findings from the 2024 field trials, which explored the long-term impacts of bio-amendments on system sustainability. In addition, Dr. Nataliia Raksha (Forel Research and Production Center) introduced innovative approaches to converting fish industry waste into plant biostimulants.

The main task of the UNESCO Chair was to lead knowledge creation at the interface of agriculture and environmental assessment. In this regard, Dr. Sahar Azarkamand (ESCI-UPF) shared the results of a Life Cycle Assessment study quantifying the environmental impacts and costs of biostimulant and organic amendment in field trial applications in Denmark and Ukraine.

Dr. Ibtissam Bouhzam (a visiting PhD student from the University of Lleida) further expanded on this theme by presenting both the principles of LCA and results from the ECOtowins project, which evaluated biostimulant and organic amendment production in Ukraine, Denmark, and Sweden. Dr. Oksana Tonkha (NUBiP) also contributed with data from recent field trials and perspectives on agronomic practices aimed at restoring soil fertility and improving crop yields.

Sessions led by Dr. Jean Yang and Nasir Hossein Sani (PhD student), from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), enriched the program with expertise on circular nutrient management, sustainable use of biostimulants, and innovative agronomic strategies.

Together, these contributions provided participants with a comprehensive overview of both practical and analytical tools for advancing sustainable agriculture. The second ECOtwins Summer School succeeded in combining scientific knowledge, practical training, and international dialogue.

Above all, ECOtwins highlighted the determination of Ukrainian researchers, whose dedication to advancing sustainability in agriculture remains unwavering despite the challenges they face. All project partners recognized and celebrated their efforts, reinforcing the shared vision of building resilient, environmentally sound food systems through collaboration and innovation.