From 31 August to 4 September, 2026, a working visit of a researcher at the Laboratory for Optimization and Monitoring of Ecosystems of the Institute of Experimental Botany named after V.F. Kuprevich of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Evgeny Shavalda was held to the Sector of Neutron Activation Analysis and Applied Research of FLNP JINR.

The visit was held within the framework of the implementation of cooperation programmes for carrying out joint scientific projects aimed at monitoring and evaluating the state of the flora of the Republic of Belarus, as well as developing practical measures for greening urban and roadside areas of Minsk.

In the current investigation, soil and vegetation samples were transferred for subsequent analysis, the required sample preparation was carried out to estimate the level of pollution with heavy metals using Neutron Activation Analysis. The results obtained from previously transmitted samples were also analyzed. The data obtained will be used in the implementation of the current scientific research of the Belarusian party and the development of joint practical recommendations for Belarusian organizations in the field of landscaping and care for urban areas.

Evgeny Sergeevich Shavalda, Researcher at the LOME of the IEB of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

The scientific investigations of the vegetation of anthropogenically disturbed territories require competent consideration of many factors, among which the level of chemical pollution is one of the basic ones. The long-term cooperation, the technical capabilities and experience of researchers of SNAAAR of FLNP JINR allows improving the quality of scientific work due to the accuracy and diversity of the determined heavy metals and trace elements in environmental objects. It is this methodological rigor that is urgent for the Institute of Experimental Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and joint research, since on the basis of the data obtained, practical measures are developed to improve the condition, to preserve landscaping and other vegetation of urban and roadside areas. We see further prospects in the development of joint monitoring observations of the state of vegetation and in the implementation of the results of joint work in the activities of interested specialized state institutions of the Republic of Belarus

Evgeny Shavalda also made a report at a scientific seminar on the current results of cooperation between JINR and the Institute of Experimental Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. The results of joint research and prospects for further cooperation in the field of environmental monitoring and protection of flora were outlined in the report.