On April 23, 2025, at the Department of Software of Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine, diplomas and gifts were awarded to the winners of the student essay contest dedicated to the issue of environmental mercury pollution (https://lpnu.ua/news/startuvav-konkurs-studentskykh-ese-vid-mizhnarodnoho-proiektu-life-mercury-free).
The contest was organized within the framework of the “Mercury-Free City” Marathon of the LIFE MERCURY-FREE international project “Complex Awareness Raising and Behaviour Change for the Mercury-Free City Environment”, supported by the LIFE Programme of the European Union. Its aim was to raise student awareness of environmental safety issues, particularly the dangers of mercury in everyday life.
Symbolically, the contest was launched in October 2024 on the Day of Environmental Education, concluded on November 17 – Student Day, and the award ceremony took place during the Scientific Fair of Lviv Polytechnic – a celebration of science, knowledge, and youth initiatives.
The winners of the contest are:
● Halyna Kozak, Department of International and Criminal Law – 1st place.
Essay title: “Legal Aspects of Mercury-Containing Waste Management in Ukraine”
Scientific advisor: Andrii Hachkevych, PhD in Law, Associate Professor of the Department of International and Criminal Law.
● Viktoriia Oliinyk, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication – 2nd place.
Essay title: “The Problem of Mercury Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment”
● Nadiia Shalamai, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication – 2nd place.
Essay title: “The Problem of Mercury Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment: A Hidden Threat in Everyday Life”
● Khrystyna Butka, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication – 3rd place.
Essay title: “The Toxic Burden: Why Environmental Education About Mercury is the Key to a Safer Future”
● Vitaliia Bibliuk, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication – 3rd place.
Essay title: “The Role of Media in Raising Awareness and Disseminating Information About the Use of Mercury-Containing Products”
Winners received diplomas and incentive prizes. A special gift was electronic thermometers – a safe alternative to mercury devices, symbolizing the commitment to a clean and healthy environment.
You can find the winning essay on our platform.
The essay contest became an important component of activities aimed at promoting environmental education among students and fostering ecological culture in society.
