Yurii Zinchenko, a first-year student in the G7 degree programme “Automation, Computer-Integrated Technologies and Robotics” at Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, has successfully completed the international educational programme I Living Lab, which this year was dedicated to the topic “Shaping the Future of Higher Education – Together”.

The programme is implemented within the framework of the E³UDRES² European University Alliance, of which Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy is an associate member. In 2026, the programme ran from 9 March to 22 May. Upon successful completion, Yurii earned 3 ECTS credits and received a positive final grade, as confirmed by official documents issued by the partner higher education institution.

I Living Lab is an innovative international educational format that brings together students from different fields of study and countries to work collaboratively on real-world challenges. Participants work in interdisciplinary teams, apply design thinking and brainstorming methods, and develop skills in teamwork, intercultural communication, project management, and innovative problem-solving.

During the spring semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, the I Living Lab programme focused on the theme “Wellbeing and Active Ageing”. Students from partner universities of the E³UDRES² Alliance worked together to find solutions to current social challenges related to health, quality of life, inclusion, the use of modern technologies, and community development.

Throughout the programme, Yurii Zinchenko joined an international team of students, gained experience of collaboration in a multicultural environment, and improved his English-language communication skills.

Yurii Zinchenko commented:

“Participation in the I Living Lab programme was an extremely valuable experience for me. I worked in an international team with students from different countries, where we jointly sought solutions to current social challenges related to wellbeing and active ageing. What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to exchange ideas with representatives of different cultures and academic backgrounds. This project helped me improve my teamwork skills, strengthen my English-language communication skills, and develop my ability to apply technological knowledge to solving real-world problems. I am grateful to Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy and the E³UDRES² Alliance for this opportunity.”

A highlight of the project was the final public presentation, during which Yurii and his team brilliantly showcased their proposed solution to students and academic staff from European higher education institutions. They clearly and systematically outlined the essence of their project, provided detailed answers to complex questions, and demonstrated that their proposed approach has significant practical value. The team’s energetic, lively, and persuasive presentation won the admiration of their peers and received a highly positive evaluation from the expert panel.

Yurii Zinchenko’s participation in the I Living Lab programme exemplifies the active involvement of students of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy in international educational initiatives and opportunities created through cooperation with the E³UDRES² Alliance.

“We congratulate Yurii on the successful completion of the programme and wish him further achievements in his studies, research activities, and international projects!” noted Halyna Lutsenko, Professor at the Department of Automation and Computer-Integrated Technologies.

The Educational-Scientific Institute of Informational and Educational Technologies