All-Russian Symposium on Ecology hosted by Lobachevsky University
The event marked the 35th anniversary of the Ecology Department and the 110th anniversary of biological education at UNN.
On April 16, the First All-Russian Symposium "Ecology: Fundamental Principles and a Look into the Future" opened at Lobachevsky University. The symposium was organised by the Ecology Department of the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
In his congratulatory message, Roman Vorobyov, the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Conservation of the Nizhny Novgorod region, emphasised that "in today's conditions, the mission of Russian environmental science has risen to the level of a national priority, and the work of environmental scientists has become an expression of civic responsibility towards present and future generations. This symposium is intended to serve as a venue for summarising the experience gained and for devising innovative solutions to environmental challenges."
Over the course of two days, the symposium brought together more than 70 experts, including staff members, alumni, and friends of the UNN Ecology Department from different Russian cities. Thirty researchers from Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Yoshkar-Ola, and the Yaroslavl region delivered their scientific reports. Young scientists who are just starting their careers in science also presented their research during the event.
"In its 35-year history, the Ecology Department has accomplished an impressive journey of growth, marked by numerous achievements that have confirmed its status as one of the region's foremost centres for environmental education," noted Oleg Trofimov, Rector of Lobachevsky University. "The department's employees make a substantial contribution to the preservation of natural heritage and the development of environmental culture in society on a daily basis, and we are deeply grateful for their efforts."
"The staff, students and graduates of the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine are the part of society that is responsible for environmental education, and thus, in a sense, for ensuring the stability of our world for future generations. Ecology is a very interesting, complex and highly systematic science. Moreover, contemporary ecology intersects with information technology and data analysis, as the processes occurring at the systemic level can only be evaluated through such methods. I congratulate everyone on the 35th anniversary of the Ecology Department and the 110th anniversary of biological education at our university, and I wish us all productive work," said Maria Vedunova, Director of the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine.
"Nowadays, ecology is more than just a science. In modern realities, it has become not only an indicator of the quality of life but often even a question of survival. At our department, we are not only engaged in scientific work but also actively involved in educational activities. Young people, including recent school graduates, show a keen interest in ecology and are concerned about current environmental issues. In turn, we strive to make the learning process as engaging and comprehensive as possible for them, adapting both the already established bachelor's programmes and master's programmes to meet modern demands," shared Vasily Yakimov, Head of the Ecology Department at the UNN Institute of Biology and Biomedicine.
The symposium addressed a wide range of topics such as the ecological condition of various types of water bodies and watercourses, atmospheric air pollution, fish ontogenesis, the spread of non-native species, and the operation of specially protected natural areas in the Nizhny Novgorod region.
