When Science Inspires: The Lviv Forum of the Chemical Community

On June 2–4, 2025, the 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference “Lviv Chemical Readings – 2025” was held at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
This large-scale academic forum brought together leading experts in inorganic, analytical, organic, medical, physical chemistry, and related fields of chemical science.

This year’s conference was dedicated to several significant milestones in the history of the university’s Faculty of Chemistry: the 80th anniversary of its founding, as well as the anniversaries of key departments — the 130th anniversaries of the Departments of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, the 90th anniversary of the Department of Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, and the 80th anniversary of the Department of Analytical Chemistry.
The event was organized in cooperation with the Shevchenko Scientific Society — an institution that has consistently upheld the continuity of scientific tradition in Ukraine, even during the most challenging historical periods.

The conference was held in a hybrid format — both in-person and online — and lasted for three days. Its main objectives were to promote chemical science, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, provide a platform for communication among seasoned researchers, young scientists, and educators, and support innovative scientific research.

Within the framework of thematic sessions, participants presented the results of their research, discussed current challenges in modern chemistry, and shared ideas for the implementation of innovative approaches in chemical education and research practice.
In particular, representatives of the National Reference Laboratory for the Control of Residues of Veterinary Drugs and Feed Additives at the State Scientific-Research Control Institute of Veterinary Medicinal Products and Feed Additives — PhD in Chemistry Serhii Plotytsia and Nazar Korol — presented their research on the simultaneous determination of sulfonamide residues, dapsone, and trimethoprim using LC-MS/MS (Analytical Chemistry Section).

Active participation in the conference fostered professional development, enhanced inter-institutional cooperation, and facilitated the establishment of new academic connections among researchers of different generations and professionals from various fields of chemistry.

We sincerely thank the organizers for the high level of the event, the warm and inspiring academic atmosphere, and the opportunity to take part in discussions on current challenges in the field of chemistry. We look forward to continued fruitful cooperation and future meetings at upcoming scientific events.

Development of the Veterinary Sector: European Standards — Ukrainian Potential

On June 24, 2025, the Director of the State Scientific and Research Control Institute of Veterinary Medicinal Products and Feed Additives (SSRIVMPFA), Volodymyr Stybel, and his Deputy for International Affairs, Yurii Kosenko, took part in a meeting chaired by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Vitalii Koval. The meeting focused on key issues related to the development of the veterinary medicinal products sector in the context of European integration.

The event brought together representatives of the Ministry’s leadership, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, industry associations, regulatory authorities, and leading Ukrainian manufacturers of veterinary products.

The discussion centered on the implementation of European production requirements, harmonization of national legislation, improvement of product quality, and strengthening market accountability. Special attention was paid to creating conditions in which Ukrainian manufacturers can not only remain competitive but also thrive.

As Minister Vitalii Koval emphasized:
“European integration should not devalue the Ukrainian. We are not just a market — we have our own expertise, innovations, and entrepreneurs.”

The participants also raised the issue of improving procedures related to the state registration of veterinary medicinal products. We trust that the reform process will preserve the professional expertise and continuity that have been built over many years of cooperation with both domestic and international manufacturers.

The Institute remains open to constructive dialogue and continued collaboration — in support of a transparent market, fair competition, and the advancement of Ukrainian veterinary product manufacturing.

TRACES 2025: An International Platform for Knowledge Exchange on Residues of Pharmacologically Active Substances

On June 3–6, 2025, the International Symposium TRACES 2025 (International Symposium on Residues of Pharmacologically Active Substances in Food, Feed and Environment, within the One Health Concept) was held in Ghent, Belgium, at the NH Ghent Belfort hotel. The event brought together two renowned scientific conferences — The International Symposium on Hormone and Veterinary Drug Residue Analysis (VDRA) and EuroResidue — launching a new phase of interdisciplinary collaboration under the One Health concept.

The TRACES symposium builds on a long-standing tradition. Since 1990, the EuroResidue conferences have addressed a wide range of issues related to residue monitoring in food, feed, and other matrices, while VDRA, organized by the Faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University (UGent) together with the Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO), has focused on hormone and veterinary drug residue analysis since 1988.

Ukrainian researchers have consistently contributed to this expert forum:

  • Dr. Dmytro Yanovych,
  • PhD in Biology Zvenyslava Zasadna,
  • PhD in Biology Svitlana Melikyan,
  • PhD in Chemistry Maryana Rydchuk

 researchers of the National Reference Laboratory for Residue Control of Veterinary Drugs and Feed Additives at the State Scientific Research Control Institute of Veterinary Medicinal Products and Feed Additives (SCIVP) — presented their scientific findings, continuing the institute’s tradition of active participation in this international academic community.

The conference abstract book can be downloaded at the following link.

The integrated TRACES congress facilitated deeper interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strengthened professional collaboration in the field of residue analysis of pharmacologically active substances throughout the food chain.