Khmelnytskyi National University continues to strengthen its international collaborations in the field of environmental science. A recent visit by Professor Christian Dunn of Bangor University (United Kingdom) marked an important step forward in the growing partnership between the two institutions and deepened their scientific cooperation. Both universities are part of the Unity Initiative and signed a memorandum of cooperation in 2022.
During his visit, Professor Dunn met with Professor Nataliya Mironova and Head of the Department of Ecology and Biological Education, Dr. Olha Yefremova. Together, they are working on a study of soil conditions in Ukraine—an increasingly urgent topic amid today’s environmental challenges. The visit included fieldwork to collect soil samples for further analysis of composition and environmental changes that could affect agricultural productivity and regional ecological safety. The discussions also covered research methodologies and the educational components of training future ecologists at both Khmelnytskyi National University and Bangor University, paving the way for integrating cutting-edge techniques into the curriculum and expanding student opportunities.
Professor Christian Dunn is a leading British environmental scientist, a professor of wetland science, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability at Bangor University. He specializes in nature-based solutions for water resource management, pollution control, and carbon sequestration. His research on microplastic pollution, water contamination, and peatland restoration has earned international recognition. Beyond his academic work, he is a passionate science communicator, frequently appearing on the BBC and other global media outlets. In 2024, he released a feature-length BBC documentary focused on environmental research—another testament to his significant contributions to science.
The Department of Ecology and Biological Education, along with students, expressed sincere gratitude to Professor Dunn for his generous gift of specialised water sampling tubes. These will enhance the accuracy of water quality analyses and support ongoing environmental monitoring efforts in the region.
As a symbolic gesture of friendship, the university also received a “Bangor dragon”—a small mascot that will serve as the laboratory’s good-luck charm and a symbol of enduring partnership between the two institutions.
Khmelnytskyi National University extends its heartfelt thanks to Professor Christian Dunn for his support of Ukrainian scientific initiatives and shared projects. Collaboration with Bangor University opens exciting new opportunities for environmental research and supports Ukraine’s integration into the global scientific community. The university warmly invites continued cooperation, joint studies, and knowledge exchange—steps that will further develop environmental science and foster the training of highly skilled professionals in the field.
About Professor Christian Dunn, Bangor University:
Professor Christian Dunn is a leading expert in wetland science and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Sustainability at Bangor University. He is a pioneer in nature-based solutions, particularly the use of wetlands for managing water resources, pollution control, and carbon sequestration. His work has received international acclaim, particularly in the areas of microplastic contamination, water pollution, and peatland restoration. He is an Associate Director of the Bangor Wetlands Group and Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Science and Engineering. A dedicated science communicator, Professor Dunn regularly appears on television, radio, and in the press, working with outlets such as the BBC and national newspapers. In 2024, he released his first feature-length BBC documentary, which retraced a WWII commando operation collecting soil samples from the D-Day beaches of Normandy. A popular public speaker, he has delivered three TEDx talks and is a recognised environmental advocate. In 2024, he was named one of the UK’s top 100 most influential environmental professionals of the past two years and currently chairs the Welsh Policy Group of the British Ecological Society.