On January 12th, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine with representatives from Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University (ONU) and Odessa State Environmental University (ODEU). The key topics of the meeting revolved around the future merger of these higher education institutions and shared perspectives. The event was attended by Deputy Ministers of Education and Science Mykhailo Vynnytskyi and Denys Kurbatov, ONU Rector Vyacheslav Truba, ONU First Vice-Rector Maiia Nikolaieva, newly elected ODEU Rector Volodymyr Kovalchuk, Oleg Sharov (Director-General of the Directorate for Advanced Vocational, Higher Education of the Ministry), and Alla Rybalko (Head of the Expert Group on Higher Education and Adult Education of the Directorate for Advanced Vocational, Higher Education of the Ministry).

Recall that on January 5th, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution on the reorganization of Odessa State Environmental University (ODEU) and the Physico-Chemical Institute for Environmental Protection and Human Safety (PCI EP&HS) of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (FHIZNSIL). The government approved the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science and the National Academy of Sciences to reorganize ODEU and PCI EP&HS by merging them into Odessa I.I. Mechnikov National University.

The main focus of the meeting was to discuss the implications of this reorganization, including the integration process and the collaborative future of the merged institutions. The participants exchanged views on ensuring the continuity and preservation of educational and scientific potential during this structural transformation. The representatives addressed various aspects, such as the preservation of specialized programs, the potential for merging certain faculties, and the importance of maintaining the unique character of each institution within the united university structure.

The meeting aimed to foster a collaborative approach and to address concerns and expectations related to the merger. Further details and decisions about the integration process are likely to emerge as discussions progress and stakeholders work towards a shared vision for the future of the united educational and scientific community in Odessa.