“What kind of community do Ukrainian universities build in wartime? The experience of the Alliance of Ukrainian Universities at the local, national and international level” was the topic of an online discussion held on 4 September 2024.

The participants discussed a range of issues. How is the internal academic community affected by unification of universities? How can the Alliance of Universities motivate local communities to develop themselves? What changes in relations with business, government and communities should universities make for recovery? Is there a need for practical research to recover? How can universities influence maintenance of contacts with young people abroad? What is the role of university communities in the country’s international relations system? What should be the modern university community? How can we build a stronger national and international community?

The meeting was moderated by Dmytro SHERENHOVSKYI. He is a specialist in educational expertise, international relations, management, and governance; the Vice-Rector for External Relations and Public Service at the Ukrainian Catholic University.

Ivan KOZII, the SumDU vice-rector, took part in the discussion. He emphasized the adaptation of scientific research to modern needs, its practicality and maximum efficiency.

“Practicality should be the main criterion for evaluating research in the context of recovery. As practical research, we can consider, for example, the use of various innovative materials for recovery of buildings and power plants. We may apply renewable energy sources. We can develop environment friendly methods of utilizing war waste. Also, we can consider creation of social adaptation programs for internally displaced persons,” – said Ivan KOZII.

In his opinion, it is reasonable to use the adapted experience of foreign partners who have faced similar challenges.

“Integration with the international community is a way to attract new knowledge, technologies and resources. Participation in international grant programs, joint research, international conferences, various university associations, exchange of experience, accumulation of technological knowledge can help us to adapt our practices to Ukrainian realities faster and better,” – emphasized Ivan KOZII.