On October 2–3, 2025, the international forum Rethink Waste 2025 was held in Lviv — an important platform for discussing innovative approaches in waste management, the circular economy, and sustainable development. The event brought together representatives of scientific institutions, municipalities, businesses, and civil society organizations working to implement modern environmental technologies and circular practices.
Representatives of the Lviv Polytechnic National University — the coordinator of the international project AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB — took part in the event, along with partners from the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (Spain) and other research institutions from across Europe.
The AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB project was presented at the forum by Ada Domingo Ferrer, Senior Technician at the Governance for Sustainability Unit of the BETA Technological Center at the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (Spain).
In her online presentation titled “International scientific cooperation within the AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB project, Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area (ERA), and science diplomacy” she outlined the main directions of the consortium’s work, emphasizing the importance of international scientific cooperation for the integration of Ukrainian researchers into the European scientific community. Special attention was devoted to the role of science diplomacy in promoting sustainability in the agricultural sector and advancing circular innovations.
The Ukrainian delegation at the forum included researchers from Lviv Polytechnic: the project coordinator, Professor Myroslav Malovanyy, Associate Professor Ivan Tymchuk, and Associate Professor Volodymyr Zhuk. They took part in thematic sessions devoted to biowaste management, the implementation of circular technologies in agriculture, and the development of international scientific partnerships in the field of environmental sustainability. The participants discussed current challenges in resource management, ways to reduce waste, and practical aspects of implementing green economy principles.
During the forum, the participants met with colleagues and partners, including Svitlana Bundz, Head of the Lviv municipal enterprise “Green City” (LKP “Zelene misto”). A joint photo of the AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB participants against the backdrop of the forum’s banners symbolizes shared approaches, professional collaboration, and a common goal — building a sustainable future.
Participation in the Rethink Waste 2025 forum holds strategic significance for the AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB team and for Lviv Polytechnic as the project coordinator. The event served as a platform for presenting research results and expanding international scientific dialogue between Ukraine and the European Union in the fields of bioeconomy, circular production, and sustainable development.
Such events promote the exchange of best practices in circular technologies, the development of interdisciplinary projects, the strengthening of partnerships between research institutions and municipal structures, and the establishment of science diplomacy as an essential tool for international cooperation.
The AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB project continues to develop as an international research platform that unites science, education, business, and communities around a shared goal — the formation of a circular and climate-resilient agricultural economy.
Participation in events such as Rethink Waste 2025 reaffirms Lviv Polytechnic’s readiness to play an active role in European scientific initiatives aimed at environmental transformation, innovation, and a sustainable future for both Ukraine and Europe.
