“You need to think carefully before you jump into this deep sea,” said Professor Daniel Levy at the very beginning of a presentation entitled “Why can a PhD be bad for you?”. While this statement sounded frightening to those who were planning to pursue a PhD or other further studies, it appeared to be more bemusing for others who were not considering a career in academia.
Based on his personal experience, Dr. Levy explained that substantial difficulties come with academic life: a PhD is not a continuation of an MA, and it constitutes an “unbelievable amount of commitment”. It requires “focus, and lots of patience, time and energy”. Dr Levy recalled that during his studies, he took most of his meals sitting in front of a computer or with his nose buried in a book.
The particular importance of agriculture in Ukraine is so strong that it has been suggested by some that it is reflected in the country's flag; the golden yellow field of wheat sits beneath a blue sky, said to be a common sight in rural Ukraine.
Despite the fact that the country remains locked in conflict with separatist militia factions and much of its eastern territory has been torn apart by combat, the government is still attempting to enact reforms, and agriculture has not gone ignored.
To this end, ISET's Pati Mamardashvili travelled to Kiev to participate in the Days of Agricultural Economics, which consisted of two consecutive events: the 155th EAAE Seminar, entitled “European Agriculture towards 2030 Perspectives for further East-West Integration” ,and the 7th International Conference on "Large Farm Management”.