University of Liverpool’s “impactful” partnership with university in Ukraine strengthens

The University of Liverpool’s collaboration with Ukraine’s Sumy State University through the UK-Ukraine Twinning Scheme is going from strength to strength.

Formed in June 2022, the partnership supports the survival of higher education in one of Ukraine’s most affected regions whilst also fostering academic collaboration that promises benefits for both nations for years to come.

The twinning scheme is a vital lifeline spearheaded by Universities UK International (UUKi) and the Cormack Consultancy Group, which ensures that Ukrainian academics and students can continue their work, contributing to Ukraine’s resilience and future recovery.

Sumy and its university community face significant challenges due to their proximity to the Russian border, where regular airstrikes and ongoing military threats disrupt daily life. Despite these immense difficulties, Sumy State University remains committed to education, and its partnership with the University of Liverpool is a crucial step in ensuring its continued operation.

Since its launch, the twinning scheme has enabled Sumy State University to maintain access to essential academic resources, support student education, and facilitate research collaboration, even in these challenging circumstances.

Ukrainian researchers have actively engaged in the academic life at the University of Liverpool, sharing their expertise and enriching the local research community. In turn, these scholars are introducing Ukraine and its culture to Liverpool, fostering a deeper understanding and solidarity between the two nations.

One of the driving forces behind the success of this partnership is Professor Igor Potapov, a Ukrainian-born researcher in the University of Liverpool’s Department of Computer Science.

He expressed his enthusiasm for the deepening collaboration: “Through this partnership, we are not only sustaining research under difficult conditions but also seeding future projects that address the research needs of both universities.”

This joint effort has already welcomed nine visitors from Sumy, including established academics, early-career researchers, and postgraduate students, who are collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines at the University of Liverpool.

In addition to academic support, the partnership has enabled nearly 300 Ukrainian students and staff to benefit from shared resources, joint research initiatives, and academic exchanges.

Alla Krasulia, Head of the International Affairs Department at Sumy State University said:

“This collaboration goes far beyond emergency aid; it builds a strong foundation for continued academic cooperation across fields such as environmental sciences, management, and digital innovation.”

The University of Liverpool-Sumy State University partnership is also open to further collaboration with international foundations and private research organisations interested in supporting new joint projects. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to engage with Ukrainian and UK researchers to develop solutions that will impact not only the academic community but also the broader international landscape.

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said:

“We are proud of our twinning collaboration with Sumy State University, which has enabled numerous shared research, study, cultural and other initiatives over more than two years. Both universities look forward to continuing a long and fruitful partnership together.”

The UK-Ukraine Twinning Scheme continues to play a vital role in sustaining the higher education sector in Ukraine by fostering impactful partnerships. Together, these collaborations illustrate how academia can serve as a bridge of hope, unity, and resilience, even in the darkest of times.

A spokesperson from UUKi said:

“We are delighted to see the impactful collaboration between Sumy State University and the University of Liverpool. Their partnership exemplifies the Twinning scheme’s mission to strengthen Ukrainian higher education while fostering cultural exchange and advancing research collaborations between the UK and Ukraine. As the Twinning scheme approaches its three-year anniversary in 2025, we look forward to seeing how this collaboration evolves and continues to benefit both communities.”

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