Ukraine

For Fascination of Plants Day, the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the NAS of Ukraine, as part of the “Fest of Science and Plants”, will present an exhibition offering visitors a closer look at the world of plants and algae. Researchers from the Department of Phycology, Lichenology and Bryology will demonstrate cultures of microalgae, which visitors will be able to observe under a microscope. Herbarium specimens and samples of algae from the Black Sea and other water bodies will also be presented. In addition, the exhibition will introduce the diversity of plant communities and biotopes of Ukraine. Researchers from the Department of Geobotany and Ecology will present books and materials on urban vegetation and natural ecosystems, speak about the biodiversity around us, and show some of the most interesting and widespread plant species that can be found in different habitats.

For the exhibition within the Fest of Science and Plants, we are going to present a brief overview of our expertise, including modern wheat varieties and microbial preparations for plant inoculation. Also, an information poster, and scientific literature highlighting current research in agronomy, plant physiology and microbiology will be demonstrated.

At the location of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine, experimental plant samples from the departments of the Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering of the NAS of Ukraine will be presented. Young scientists of the Institute will introduce visitors to various methods of plant genetic transformation and show the results of such transformations. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the use of medicinal and agricultural plants in modern research, see examples of successful transformations, and try themselves as researchers.

During the master class, the visitors could investigate plants and natural micro-objects using the live light microscopy. Participants will be able to observe the cellular structure of a leaf, chloroplasts, stomata, pollen grains, moss fragments, and microscopic components of natural samples collected directly on the territory of the botanical garden. The main idea of the activity is to show that plants and their surrounding environment have several levels of organization: from the visible organism to cells and microscopic communities.

In addition, the in vitro collections of plant cultures, beneficial and phytopathogenic soil bacteria, and edible and phytopathogenic fungi of the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics of the NAS of Ukraine will be presented. Visitors will also be introduced to recent developments in nanotechnology and the application of nanoparticles in plant biotechnology.

An interactive online photo exhibition serving as a pilot digital scientific and educational initiative dedicated to the ancient oak trees of the “Khutir Chubynskoho” landscape reserve – unique elements of the biocultural heritage of the forest-steppe zone of the Middle Dnipro region. The project integrates approaches from contemporary environmental science, conservation biology, and science communication, presenting natural heritage through visual materials and short scientific-interpretative descriptions.

The initiative highlights the value of preserved fragments of natural landscapes as relict ecosystems that have survived under strong anthropogenic pressure in close proximity to a major urban area. Special attention is given to ancient oak trees as living witnesses of the historical evolution of regional forest ecosystems and as important elements of local natural identity.

The project aims to enhance environmental awareness, foster a value-based attitude toward natural heritage, and engage the public in its conservation. In the longer term, the initiative is considered a foundation for the development of a digital platform for environmental education and citizen science, aligned with Green Transition principles and contemporary European practices in biocultural and biodiversity communication.