UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As Ukraine works to secure its agricultural future, a growing network of Ukrainian scholars, past and present, recently reconnected virtually to share progress, explore collaboration, and strengthen ties between Penn State and Ukrainian institutions.
Supported by the Woskob New Century Fund for Ukraine and Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, their work is not only driving resilience in Ukraine’s farming and agroforestry sectors but also shaping a new generation of research, mentorship and global partnerships, according to Deanna Behring, assistant dean for international programs and director of Ag Sciences Global in the college.
She explained that since 2008, the Woskob International Research in Agriculture Scholar Program, also known as WIRA, has provided Ukrainian researchers and students with opportunities for collaborative research, professional development, and academic exchange in the fields of agricultural sciences and rural development.
To date, the program has established a network of 34 scholars and numerous partners, all of whom are committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and fostering international collaboration between Ukraine and the United States.
“As Ukraine continues to navigate extraordinary challenges, the importance of academic solidarity, enduring partnerships, and a strong, connected network is more critical than ever,” Behring said. “This virtual reunion offered a meaningful opportunity to bring WIRA Scholars together across cohorts, reflect on the program’s lasting impact, see how scholars’ paths have evolved, and explore new possibilities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.”
Behring opened the event by welcoming attendees and providing a retrospective on the WIRA program, with Troy Ott, dean of the college, discussing the program’s role in Ukraine’s academic and agricultural future.
The reunion featured sector-based panels covering areas such as sustainable agriculture, rural development, climate and environment, education and research, agricultural policy and governance, agroforestry, soil conservation, and innovation and technology.
Former scholars shared highlights of their current work, noting how their focus has evolved since their time in the WIRA program. Each panelist also proposed ideas for future collaboration or impactful projects.
One alumna is Lyudmyla Kuzmych, who participated in the program from 2023 to 2024. As the chief researcher at the Institute of Water Problems and Land Reclamation in Kyiv, Ukraine, she focuses on water management and engineering.
During her two-year tenure at Penn State, Kuzmych collaborated with the Penn State Institute of Energy and the Environment and the Penn State Water Consortium. This University-wide initiative engages faculty and staff in research, teaching and outreach related to water resources.
Reflecting on her experience, Kuzmych noted the transformative impact of the WIRA Scholar Program on her perspective regarding international collaboration in agriculture and food systems.
“At Penn State, I wasn’t just a visiting researcher — I became a bridge between communities,” she said. “Through collective international monographs I edited, proposal writing, field studies and classes, I saw how global solidarity can turn ideas into action. I gained more than academic skills: I learned the importance of humility, persistence and dialogue. The cross-cultural exposure taught me that science is not just about solutions — it’s about listening, adapting and walking together.”
Kuzmych also highlighted the value of reconnecting with colleagues, describing the reunion as a reaffirmation of a community dedicated to rebuilding and reimagining agricultural systems in the face of complex challenges.
“WIRA Scholars have a unique role as translators between languages, systems and visions,” she said. “Whether we write joint articles, develop pilot projects or teach future leaders, we embody the connective tissue between the U.S. and Ukrainian agricultural spheres. We can shape resilient food policies, inform international grant-making, and serve as mentors who carry forward the values of sustainability, equity and hope.”
Behring expressed gratitude to George and Nina Woskob of the Woskob New Century Fund for Ukraine, as well as to Kayla King, the current project manager of the fund, and to Bridges, an agricultural advisory group in Ukraine, for their support in organizing the reunion.