Two Histories – One Powerful University
T
he history of great achievements begins with ideas that are ahead of their time. This is how two powerful educational traditions were born in Lviv and Dubliany more than two centuries ago, which in 2024 were united into a single modern university space.
One of them originated in Lviv in 1784, when veterinary education was initiated with the creation of a specialized department. In 1881, by decree of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the Veterinary School was established, which in 1897 was granted the status of an academy. For many generations, scientific schools known far beyond Ukraine's borders have been formed here. Even in the most difficult periods of the 20th century, the institution maintained its scientific potential thanks to the dedication of teachers and scientists. A special place among them is held by the outstanding scientist Stepan Gżyckyi, whose name the university proudly bears today.
The second educational tradition was formed in Dublyany, where on January 9, 1856, under the patronage of the Galician Economic Society, the Agricultural School was opened. Later, it became the Higher Agricultural Academy, known throughout Europe, and became one of the centers for the development of agricultural science and environmental management. Throughout its history, the institution was not only an educational and scientific center, but also an important center of national life and patriotic education. During the years of the liberation struggle, future figures of Ukrainian statehood were studied and formed here. Both educational traditions went through wars, political transformations, and historical trials, preserving the most important thing - devotion to science, education, and Ukraine. The Veterinary School became one of the leading centers of veterinary medicine and biotechnology in Eastern Europe, and the Higher Agricultural Academy was later transformed into the Lviv National University of Environmental Management - a powerful center of agricultural education and engineering science.
In September 2024, the Lviv National University of Environmental Management was merged with the Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies Lviv. The merger of the two educational and scientific schools enabled the integration of many years of experience, scientific potential, and a wide range of training areas into a single university. Thus, the many years of development of two separate educational traditions came to an end, and a new page in the history of a single university began.
Today, the university is a unique educational and scientific complex that combines centuries-old traditions in veterinary medicine, biotechnology, agricultural science, environmental management, and engineering with modern management. Future veterinarians, biotechnologists, agricultural engineers, ecologists, IT specialists, lawyers, managers, and tourism industry specialists study here.
The university infrastructure includes modern laboratories, veterinary clinics, educational buildings, museums, dormitories, sports facilities, and innovative scientific centers. Thanks to cooperation with partners in the European Union, the USA, and Canada, students have the opportunity to undertake international internships, work with the latest equipment, and gain practical experience in accordance with global standards.
Two histories. Two educational traditions. One university that has combined centuries-old experience, scientific achievements, and a desire for development. Today, the university confidently looks to the future, forming a new generation of highly qualified specialists who will build Ukraine with their work, knowledge, and responsibility.