Project - “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agro-food specialists in Eastern Europe Region” (586383-EPP-1-2017-1-SI-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP)
The role of Caucasus International University in the project
According to the results of the grant competition of Erasmus + 2017, Caucasus International University has gained funding within the framework of Institutional Cooperation (CBHE / ex-Tempus). In particular, Caucasus International University is one of the partners of University of Ljubljana (Slovenia) in the project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agro-food specialists in Eastern Europe Region” (586383-EPP-1- 2017-1-SI-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP).
The project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agro-food specialists in Eastern Europe Region” has become effective since 14 November, 2017.
The agreement of collaboration will be signed towards the end of April, 2018.
The role of Caucasus International University in the project:
The role of Caucasus International University in the project is linked to the overall project goals and priorities. Its involvement focuses on the implementation of the project activities. The activities will be held in accordance to the overall schedule of activities. One of the main roles of the CIU within the framework of the project will be focusing on implementation of the project goals in the University and in the community in general. The special course “Laboratory practice in food technologies” will be created at the faculty of Viticulture-Winemaking.
CIU will use all the University capacity – training centers, academic and administrative environment in order to develop and implement the activities of the project.
CIU will be focusing on developing teaching and learning materials, publication of the project materials, dissemination of the information on project and the results on local and national levels.
Project Aims and Objectives:
The main aim of the project is to improve the quality control of agro-food products in the countries which have recently become associated EU members by improving upon the training of their specialists. The project deals with the part of the Agreement related to food and agricultural products safety which can be ensured through appropriate laboratory control and approximation to EU legislation and standards.
This will be achieved through three specific objectives:
- To create specialized master courses dedicated to the laboratory practice for the specialists of the agrofood sector in UA, GE and MD (veterinary medicine, agronomy, animal husbandry, food technologies);
-To create at special courses at the university partners for the post-diploma training of laboratory staff working in the agro-food sector;
- To update the training courses provided by laboratories to their staff;
-To create new practices of collaboration between universities and laboratories on the basis of mutual profitability: creation of an exchange platform enabling to adapt graduates’ skills and competences to need of the labour market, to provide the continual curricula updating and to provide regular updating of the skills and competences required for agro-food laboratories staff.
Project Outcomes:
- Elaborated training courses and obtained necessary competences for students and laboratory staff;
- Trained teacher’s teams;
- Pedagogical supports;
- Created tools for cooperative teaching with the participation of universities and acting laboratories staff.
Project Activities and Methodology:
The project is foreseen for 36 months. It is aimed to creation of specialized 4 courses dedicated to laboratory practice in agro-food sector: veterinary medicine, agronomy, animal husbandry and food technologies. One transversal course will be developed. The proposed courses will be also developed for the post-diploma training.
Draft of first Ag-Lab Newsletter
Laboratory Practice - Manual
Manual For Students And Laboratory Specialists
Laboratory Practice - Manual was edited in the framework of the EU Erasmus+ project “«Improving skills in laboratory practice for agro-food specialists in eastern Europe” /Ag-Lab/. The authors’ team consists of the universities professors and the specialists of agro-food laboratories from Slovenia, France, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
This edition is destined to master students of veterinary, agronomy, animal husbandry and food technologies faculties specialized on laboratory practice, to young specialists starting their carries at laboratories of agro-food sector as well as to specialists already working at laboratories for updating their professional knowledge.
Project information video clip - Erasmus+ Ag-Lab - Georgia
Information about activities/training held within the framework of project Ag-Lab
11) 3-6 October, 2021 Teramo, Italy
Workshop (in Teramo, Italy) within the framework of the project “Improving Laboratory Practice Skills for Agri-Food Specialists” (Ag-Lab).
The representatives of Caucasus International University participated in a workshop held on 3-6 October, 2021 at the University of teramo, one of the European partners of the project, within the framework of the project “Improving the Laboratory Practice Skills of Agrarian and Food Specialists in Eastern Europe / Ag-Lab”.
On October 4, the Rector of University of Teramo met with the representatives of Caucasus International University, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and the State Laboratory of Agriculture within the frame of the visit.
On October 5 and 6, the working group visited the wineries, private viticulturists and wineries (Orsogna and Zaccagnini) in the Abruzzo region. Also, trainings were conducted at Teramo University - in the laboratories of microbiology and analytical chemistry.
News - www.unite.it
Activities Programme – 4-6 October, 2021
10) August 23-27, 2021 Ljubljana, Slovenia
The representatives of Caucasus International University participated in a 5-day workshop held on August 23-27, 2021, at the University of Ljubljana, Project Coordinator, within the framework of the project “Improving Laboratory Practice Skills for Agrarian and Food Specialists in Eastern Europe / Ag-Lab”.
A meeting of the Coordination Committee of the project partners was held within the framework of the workshop program on August 24. Marija Klopcic, Coordinator spoke about the results achieved during the project from January 2018 to date and current topics, as well as activities to be implemented for the rest of the period.
Coordinators of Caucasus International University and other partner institutions presented the results of their work over the past year.
The official representative of the University of Ljubljana for European projects, Ms. Staška Mrak Jamnik, spoke about the various international, research and Erasmus + projects implemented by the University.
Professor Kakhaber Kordzaia Caucasus International University Rector, met Professor Igor Papič the Rector of the University of Ljubljana on the second day of the visit, August 24.
During the visit on August 25-27, working and introductory meetings were held at various private farms, fruit processing plants, veterinary and dairy laboratories.
Organizational Group Meeting Minutes, August 24, 2021
Organizational Group Meeting Minutes, August 24, 2021
9) October 22-25, 2019 – Tbilisi, Georgia
Working meeting and training within the framework of the project - Improving Skills in Laboratory Practice for Agro-Food Specialists in Eastern Europe Region (Ag-Lab).
The work program envisaged the Steering committee meeting and training of project participant partners. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University hosted project participants on October 22, 2019. The committee continued work in the Kakheti region on the second day where the guests had the opportunity to become familiar with Bodbe Monastery Complex and visit Sighnaghi.
The first day of the training was hosted by the Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia on October 24, 2019.
Caucasus International University hosted the concluding day on October 25, 2019.
The training was conducted at the Faculty of Viticulture-Winemaking which was attended by more than 50 participants from 19 institutions. Kakhaber Kordzaia, Caucasus International University Rector made a presentation for the guests and placed emphasis on the role of the project for Caucasus International University. He also discussed various activities carried out within the framework of the project.
After the presentations, the hosts introduced to the project participants a unique training and research base, the Kolkhi Cellar, which is a unique architectural building, equipped with historical-ethnographic materials, ancient qvevris, winepresses, and three different types of cellars. In addition, they introduced a rich Georgian vineyard collection with 118 species. The guests visited the micro-vinification research laboratory, Laboratory of enochemistry and microbiology equipped (renovated) within the framework of the project.
Please, see the attached files:
8) August - September 2019 - Teramo, Italy
Students of Postgraduate Programs Attend Training at the University of Teramo
Students of Postgraduate Program in Georgian Viticulture-Winemaking at Caucasus International University and Postgraduate Program in Applied Bio-Sciences at TSU attend training at the University of Teramo (Italy, August-September, 2019).
Successful students of postgraduate program in Georgian Viticulture-Winemaking, Luka Beshidze and Levan Bachanadze participate in the training which is hosted by the Faulty of Bio-Sciences and Technologies at the University of Teramo. The training is held within the framework of Erasmus+ international project “Improving Skills in Laboratory Practice for Agro-Food Specialists in Eastern Europe/Ag-Lab”.
Students of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and various Ukrainian universities also attend the training together with Caucasus International University students. The training is conducted by the academic personnel of the University of Teramo and partner European universities. The aim of the course is to deepen the theoretical knowledge of future scientists and professionals in the field of biotechnology, develop practical skills and promote future career advancement.
An intensive, one-month course covers a wide range of biotechnology topics, in particular: Determining food safety and quality parameters and studying their physio-chemical and functional characteristics, researching physiological parameters of living cells using modern applications and more. Students will boost their knowledge in various direction, including: planning an experiment and its design, analytical methods and instruments, taking samples and analyzing them, taking data and interpreting the results.
The knowledge and experience gained at the university of Teramo will assist students in successfully pursuing their studies on postgraduate program and prepare for new challenges.
7) 15-16 April, 2019 – steering committee meeting at VetAgro Sup (Lyon, France) within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab)
The representatives of Caucasus International University participated in 2 day–steering committee meeting, which was held in Lyon, on 15-16 April, 2019, at VetAgro Sup within the project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agro-food specialists in Eastern Europe” (Ag-Lab). The work program focused on the meeting of the coordination committee for partners representing all participating institutions of the Project.
The presentation of Project Coordinator Marija Klopcic (UL) was devoted to the midterm report that should be prepared and submitted to the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency. Rector of CIU, Dr. Kakhaber Kordzaia made the speech about the importance of the project for the university; the film done by the project team was demonstrated; also was presented the web-portal and work plan for its development, as well as development of Moodle platform of the project and contribution of every partner. Finally the project’s work plan for the next six months –April-October 2019, was defined.
6) 4-7 December, 2018
Working Meeting at National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies (Lviv, Ukraine) within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab)
The representatives of Caucasus International University participated in 4 day working meeting, which was held in Lviv on 4-7 December, 2018, at National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies within the project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agro-food specialists in Eastern Europe” (Ag-Lab).
The work program focused on the meeting of the coordination committee and the training session for partners representing all participating institutions of the Project.
The presentation of Project Coordinator Marija Klopčič (UL) was devoted to the progress report that should be prepared and submitted to the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency. During January 2019 all consortium will work on the report under the coordination of UL.
The representatives of CIU as well as other project partners presented the achievement of their activities under the planned work packages after which the project’s work plan for the next six months was discussed.
Within the working program study visits were organized to the Lviv state regional laboratory of the veterinary medicine and Lviv research institute of veterinary drugs and feed additives.
Please, see the attached files:
30.11.2018
Please see the video - Erasmus+ Ag-Lab - Georgia
5) Sept 30 - October 1st, 2018 Venue: Caucasus International University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Improving Skills in Laboratory Practice forAgri-Food Specialists in Eastern Europe (Ag-lab)
Minutes of Workshop – Post Diploma Courses for Laboratory staff
4) 9-12, July 2018 - Chisinau, Moldova
Working Meeting at SAUM (Chisinau, Moldova) within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab)
The representatives of Caucasus International University participated in 4 day working meeting, which was held in Chisinau on 9-12 July, 2018, at State Agrarian University of Moldova within the project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agro-food specialists in Eastern Europe” (Ag-Lab).
The work program focused on the meeting of the Coordination Committee and the training session for partners representing all participating institutions of the Project.
Project Coordinator Marija KLOPCIC presented the project budget for the first six months and started the equipment purchasing procedure. European partners carried out an analysis of the first training sessions that took place in different partner institutions in Europe, followed by the actions taken to disseminate the obtained results and those envisaged in the future for the implementation of the project dissemination strategy.
The representatives of CIU as well as other project partners presented the achievement of their activities under the planned work packages after which project’s work plan for the next six months was discussed.
Within the working program a study visit was organized to the Republican Center for Veterinary Diagnosis, where the participants had an opportunity to become familiar with the accredited laboratory methods and indices used in this institution.
3) 23-27, April, 2018 – Study visit in Lyon within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab)
The representative of Caucasus International University participated in 5 day study visit, which was held in Lyon from 23-27 April within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe” (Ag-Lab).
The topics of the visit included such themes as Quality management service and ISO Standards of laboratories, GLP in laboratory, Metrology in laboratory, Internal audit/crossed audit, Ohsas 18001 standard and Documents gestion in QMS.
Guidelines on Bioanalytical Method Validation
ISO-Standard
Questionnaire Analysis -2nd training session Lyon
2) 9-13, April, 2018 – The Second Meeting in Teramo within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab)
The representative of Caucasus International University participated in 5 day meeting, which was held in Teramo from 9-13 April within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab). The aim of the meeting is to unite proposal for Ag-Lab project.
The participants underwent a training on Homogenization and food dispersions; Use of vacuum impregnation for food stabilization and enrichment of functional compounds; Accuracy improvement in sensory analysis; Wheat grinding; Antioxidant capacity assays; Detection of phenolic compounds in food using chromatography and Microextraction based procedures for the detection of pesticides.
1) 17-18, January, 2018 – The First Kick-off Meeting in Kiev within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab)
The representative of Caucasus International University participated in 2 day kick-off meeting, which was held in Kiev on 17 and 18 January within the Project “Improving skills in laboratory practice for agrо-food specialists in eastern Europe» (Ag-Lab). The aim of the first meeting was to collect and develop proposals for the first training session in the framework of the project.
During the Meeting representatives of 4 laboratories of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia made presentations on the level of laboratories staff competences in their countries and formed their visions of specialists training for laboratory practice at universities.
The second part of the meeting consisted of the presentations of EU experts on Laboratory practice organization: requirements to buildings, equipment, staff; Overview of main EU standards related to laboratory practice: ISO 17025, ISO 17043, ISO 9001, GLP Accreditation of laboratories; Validation of chemical analysis for contaminants in food in EU with real examples; Requirements to metrology provision of laboratories; The "ISLE Learn Moodle platform" for distance Learning.
Training session Kyiv 2018; CIU- Presentation; Minute kick-off; Minutes training session;
