71 partnerships between UK and Ukrainian universities are now in
place with eight more nearing formal agreement, facilitating the
sharing of resources and support in a collective gesture of
solidarity and reciprocity to help Ukrainian institutions, staff
and students.
The scheme has generated huge support since its recent launch by
the Cormack Consultancy Group and Universities UK International
with UK universities partnering directly with their Ukrainian
counterparts for a minimum of five years.
In further confirmation of the impact of the scheme, the signing
ceremony – on Ukrainian Constitution Day - comes as the UK
government announced£190,000 of
financial assistance to establish and support the twinning
initiative.
100 academics and university leaders celebrated the
ground-breaking university ‘twinning’ scheme between the UK
and Ukraine at the event, where 24 institutions signed a formal
partnership.
Heads of institutions such as the University of Liverpool,
Wrexham Glyndwr University and the University of Glasgow
formalised their commitment to partner with Ukrainian
universities whose day-to-day operations have been disrupted by
conflict.
The partnerships will provide a wide range of practical
assistance through:
- Helping to physically rebuild
campuses of Ukrainian universities that have been damaged and
destroyed.
- Mutually recognising credits so
that English-speaking Ukrainian students can take online courses
from UK universities that count towards their final degree.
- Allowing Ukrainian teaching and
research to continue in UK laboratories and classrooms where
their own facilities were destroyed or damaged.
- Facilitating the sharing of
academic resources such as libraries and technical equipment.
- Preserving Ukrainian archives in UK
institutions; facilitating more cultural and language exchange
opportunities.
- Sharing mental health support –
particularly for Ukrainian staff and students suffering from
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to conflict.
- Allowing Ukrainian students to
‘catch-up’ on the learning they have missed at summer schools
hosted in UK institutions.
The scheme will help prevent ‘brain drain’ and ensure
Ukraine’s universities not only survive but emerge stronger from
the war, allowing them to play a critical role in post-war
reconstruction.
It has been coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG) with
the support of Universities UK International (UUKi), drawing on
each group’s expertise in the needs of Ukrainian institutions and
the international outreach activities of UK universities.
Kateryna Zhuk, a 6th year student of Medical Institute,
Sumy State University, said:
“I have incredible impressions from my participation in the
summer school at the University of Liverpool, enjoying the
daily modules, excursions and social activities with other
students from around the world. I am also impressed with the
accommodation provided by the university: with comfortable rooms
on campus with all the amenities I need. The lecturers at the
summer school deserve particular mention, they are very friendly
and positive.
“I am lucky to study here and it has been hugely important to me
to help me continue my studies at this time – I will be able to
use this experience back at Sumy State University and my future
professional activity.”
Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Liverpool and the International Policy Lead on the
UUK Board, said:
“UK universities unequivocally condemn Russia’s unprovoked and
illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory. This initiative will
offer vital support to Ukrainian staff and students determined to
continue their learning and research despite the ravages of
war.”
“While short-term assistance is crucial, both sides are seeking
to build lasting ties of cooperation and cultural exchange that
will outlast the war and contribute to the rebuilding of the
Ukrainian education system when the war is over.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
-
Professor Dame Janet Beer will be available
for media interviews on request. Please contact pressoffice@universitiesuk.ac.uk
to arrange interviews.
- We have a number of case study examples from institutions
such as the University of Liverpool and Wrexham Glyndwr
University, explaining how they are putting their partnerships
into action. Please see attached document for further details.
- 24 new partnerships were confirmed today, bringing the total
of confirmed partnerships to 71, with 8 more partnerships nearing
formal agreement. A full list of participating institutions can
be found on the UUK website.
